Declan Rice is a major health concern for England after playing his last game in “severe pain”.
England midfielder Rice is sure to be a major concern in Sunday’s World Cup first round match against Mexico, as his injury problems have flared up again. Rice appeared uncomfortable at the end of England’s win over the Democratic Republic of the Congo and is suffering from nerve pain affecting his lower back and hamstrings.
The Arsenal star had to be substituted in the dying stages of the game against the Democratic Republic of the Congo, but later insisted he was fit enough for this weekend’s match 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 grateful that 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 every game, Tuchel added: “He can, yes.”
However, it remains to be seen whether Rice, who was rested for England’s final group game, will be ready to start.
Rice is also in a marathon season and is a big worry for Arsenal as he doesn’t have time to rest. Throughout his 90 minutes in Atlanta, he has looked uncharacteristically sluggish in midfield, struggling, but proving courageous and willing to put his body on the line for his team.
He was eventually shifted to right-back as England struggled, which says a lot about how Tuchel felt Jed Spence was in the game – and ironically, the tactical change was the catalyst for England’s late improvement. But questions have also been raised about the midfield partnership between Rice and Elliott Anderson. Are they too similar?
Declan Rice played at right-back in the win against the Democratic Republic of the Congo (Image: 2026 Anadolu)
England also face the added challenge of facing Mexico in the high altitudes of Mexico City, while also having major injury problems.
Jarrell Quansah insists he is close to making a comeback despite sustaining an ankle injury in the final group game against Panama. Reece James is also close to a return, but is unlikely to be ready for the game against Mexico, and England have an ongoing problem with who to play at right-back.
Spurs full-back Spence had an unforgettable night as Tuchel likes his athleticism, versatility and the fact that he is the fastest player in the team. He participated in the World Cup as a reserve left-back for the England national team, but after suffering a crushing defeat at home, it seemed that he was not able to show his true potential on the international stage.
If James proves fit, he is likely to start in Mexico City, but if he is unavailable, Rice’s cameo could give Tuchel another option.
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