Declan Rice is a major worry ahead of England's meeting with co-hosts Mexico
Declan Rice is a major worry ahead of England's meeting with co-hosts Mexico(Image: Ulrik Pedersen/NurPhoto)
View 2 Images
Declan Rice is a huge fitness worry for England after finishing their last match in “terrible pain.”
England midfielder Rice must be a massive concern for the World Cup knockout clash with Mexico on Sunday as his injury issues have flared up again. Rice looked uncomfortable at the end of England’s win over DR Congo and has been dealing with lower back and neural pain which has affected his hamstrings.
The Arsenal star had to ask to be substituted in the dying stages against DR Congo, although he later insisted that he will be fit to face joint hosts Mexico this weekend.
England boss Thomas Tuchel said: “I asked him. He said: ‘I can do it for the team but I am in terrible pain’ and when Declan tells you he is in terrible pain then you know he cannot take it anymore.
“He was grateful we took him off but he said after the game its not an issue. There is no injury I think he will recover. He was just in pain and I hope he is right. It’s more neural pain.”
When asked whether Rice can go from game to game, Tuchel added: “He can, yeah.”
But it remains to be seen whether Rice will be ready to start having been rested for England’s final Group match.
It is also a major worry for Arsenal because Rice is into a marathon season and getting no time for rest. Throughout the 90 minutes in Atlanta he looked uncharacteristically sluggish in midfield and is struggling but is proving his bravery and desire, putting his body on the line for the team.
With England struggling, he was eventually shifted to right-back - which says a lot about how Tuchel felt Djed Spence was doing in the game - and the tactical alteration ironically helped spark England's late improvement. However, it also raises questions about Rice's midfield partnership with Elliot Anderson. Are they too similar?
Declan Rice ended the win over DR Congo playing at right-back
Declan Rice ended the win over DR Congo playing at right-back(Image: 2026 Anadolu)
View 2 Images
England will also face the added difficulty of playing Mexico in Mexico City at altitude while they also have major injury issues.
Jarell Quansah insists he is getting closer to return after hurting his ankle against Panama in the final Group match. Reece James is also getting closer to a return but is unlikely to be ready for Mexico which leaves England with an ongoing issue over who to play at right back.
Content cannot be displayed without consent
Spurs full-back Spence, who Tuchel likes for his athleticism and versatility, as well as being the quickest player in the squad, had a night to forget. Brought to the World Cup as England's backup left-back, he has looked a little out of his depth on the international stage after an underwhelming domestic campaign.
If James can prove his fitness then it seems likely he'll be starting in Mexico City, but if he's not available, Rice's cameo may have given Tuchel another alternative.