Declan Rice’s fitness is a major concern for England after he played his last game in “severe pain”. The England midfielder’s injury problems have resurfaced and are a major concern ahead of Sunday’s World Cup first round match against Mexico.
Rice looked visibly uncomfortable towards the end of England’s victory over the Democratic Republic of Congo and is battling nerve pain affecting his lower back and hamstring. The Arsenal star briefly moved to right-back in the second half, but was forced to be substituted in the final stages of the game against the Democratic Republic of the Congo. But he later insisted he would be available for this weekend’s game against co-hosts Mexico.
England manager Thomas Tuchel said: “I asked him and he said, ‘I can do it for the team, but I’m in a lot of pain.’ When Declan says he’s in a lot of pain, you know he can’t take it anymore.”
“He was thankful we took him out, but after the game he said it didn’t matter. He wasn’t hurt and I think he’ll recover. He was just in pain and I hope he was right. It’s more of a nerve pain.”
Asked if Rice could play back-to-back games, Tuchel added: “He can.”
However, it remains unclear whether Rice, who has been rested for England’s final group game, will be able to start.
It’s also a considerable headache for Arsenal, given that Rice has endured a grueling campaign with little chance of recovery.
England will also face the challenge of playing Mexico in the highlands of Mexico City with major injury concerns. Jarrell Quansah, who suffered an ankle injury in the final group stage game against Panama, expressed confidence that he is close to making a comeback.
Reece James is similarly working his way towards fitness but is expected to miss the game against Mexico, leaving England facing a permanent headache for the right-back position.
