Declan Rice has played down the severity of his hamstring injury after England came from behind to beat DR Congo at the World Cup on Wednesday. The Arsenal midfielder was forced off in the closing stages of the 2-1 victory but insists he will be fit for the last-16 tie against Mexico.
England's comeback win
England were staring down the barrel of an exit at the round-of-32 stage after Brian Cipenga’s goal in the seventh minute put DR Congo in front. However, Harry Kane came to England’s rescue as his two goals in the second half sealed a 2-1 win to set up a last-16 tie against Mexico.
Rice, meanwhile, was shifted to right-back in the second half before he was forced off with a hamstring problem in the closing stages. The Arsenal midfielder was seen holding a large pack of ice on his left hamstring on the bench and has been managing the ongoing issue since Christmas.
Rice's update on his fitness
Speaking after England’s win, Rice insisted that he will recover for England’s next match against Mexico, which kicks off at 1am BST on Monday morning. ‘I’m fine. Good as gold. Good,’ Rice told BBC Five Live. ‘It’s what happens when you play in 30 degree heat I suppose. Tough game. Give it everything and bodies been through a lot in that match. Time to recover and go again.’
Rice added: ‘It was probably the hardest 12 minutes of the game having a stint at right back. In games like that it was probably too much of a basketball match at times, back and forth, and we had to take the sting out of it because they have fast wingers. I think we made more hard work of it than we needed to. I have played there two or three times this season, I know the role, it is probably not my biggest strength but to do anything for the team and the manager. 12 minutes left I said I would do my best and I think I did well there. Let’s see what happens next game but hopefully I don’t have to be at right back.’
Impact on England's World Cup campaign
Rice's availability is crucial for England as they prepare to face Mexico in the round of 16. The midfielder has been a key figure for Gareth Southgate's side, and his ability to play through the injury will be a boost. England will hope to build on their comeback win and progress further in the tournament.
