Declan Rice was seen icing his quad after he was substituted late on during England's 2-1 win against DR Congo, plunging his involvement in the round-of-16 clash with Mexico into jeopardy
Declan Rice ices his quad after coming off during England vs DR Congo
Declan Rice came off against DR Congo
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England star Declan Rice has insisted that he's 'good as gold' despite having to be substituted in the dying embers of their 2-1 victory over DR Congo. Rice, 27, hobbled off in place of John Stones shortly after Harry Kane scored his second goal in Atlanta to complete the comeback.
The Arsenal star missed England's previous game against Panama with a calf injury, while he's also battled back problems and a hamstring issue. But Rice should be available for Monday's clash with co-hosts Mexico in the round of 16.
"It's what happens when you play in 30-degree heat I suppose," Rice told BBC Radio 5 Live. "Tough game. Give it everything and bodies been through a lot in that match. Time to recover and go again."
The midfielder then confirmed: "I'm fine. Good as gold."
It was indeed an arduous affair for England, who went behind in the seventh minute after Brian Cipenga beat Jordan Pickford at his near post. The Three Lions huffed and puffed, with Kane eventually coming up trumps with goals in the 75th and 86th minutes to turn the tie on its head.
Rice was moved to right-back before England's comeback, with Djed Spence having endured a torrid time up against Cipenga. If Reece James remains out injured, then Thomas Tuchel might be inclined to keep the 27-year-old in defence.
"It's a knockout game," Rice continued. "They've got through a tough group and it was never going to be easy. You can never underestimate opposition as a neutral, as a player because they have quality and can hurt you at any given moment and they did.
ATLANTA, GEORGIA - JULY 01: Declan Rice #4 of England reacts after the team's victory and progression to the Round of 16 after the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round Of 32 match between England and Congo DR at Atlanta Stadium on July 01, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Eddie Keogh - The FA/The FA via Getty Images)
Declan Rice is feeling 'good as gold'(Image: Eddie Keogh - The FA/The FA via Getty Images)
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"But other than that I think we had so many chances. Their goalkeeper, credit to him, he had an absolute worldie.
"Harry Kane, inevitable, scoring them goals. It was a deserved win but made a bit more hard work than we should've done. The main thing is knockouts we win and that's what we done."
England have been rewarded with a trip to Mexico City, where they'll play at the iconic Estadio Azteca. The stadium is situtated 2,240 metres above sea level and Mexico have never lost a World Cup fixture there.
In 89 competitive matches at the Estadio Azteca, they've lost just two. England will be hoping to following in Brazil and Argentina's footsteps and become its third conquerers.