Thomas Tuchel says Declan Rice will be available for England's World Cup last-16 match against Mexico. The midfielder played through neural pain in his hamstring during the win over DR Congo.
Thomas Tuchel revealed after the match that Declan Rice had described his discomfort in stark terms. “I asked him very late and he said, ‘I can do it for the team, but I am in terrible pain,’” Tuchel said. Rice was substituted in stoppage time after filling in at right-back.
Rice has managed the nerve issue in his hamstring since Christmas. He missed England's win over Panama with a calf problem but returned to the starting lineup against DR Congo. Tuchel noted that Rice reported no ongoing injury after the game, only neural pain that he expects to recover from quickly.
England’s defensive options remain uncertain. Reece James has been sidelined since a hamstring injury against Ghana, while Jarell Quansah is dealing with an ankle problem. Neither player joined the recovery session in Kansas City, leaving their status for Sunday’s match at the Estadio Azteca in doubt.
