Thomas Tuchel provides encouraging Declan Rice injury update for England’s Mexico clash
England manager Thomas Tuchel has offered an optimistic update regarding midfielder Declan Rice, stating that he expects Rice to be fit for the upcoming World Cup last-16 match against Mexico. The crucial fixture is scheduled to take place at the Azteca Stadium on Sunday.
Rice, 27, was substituted towards the end of England’s 2-1 victory over the Democratic Republic of Congo. He has been managing nerve pain in his back throughout the tournament, an issue that led to his removal from the pitch.
Rice’s Tournament Workload and Versatility
The Arsenal star has accumulated over 4,000 minutes of play this season, making him one of the most heavily utilised players in the current World Cup. Tuchel acknowledged Rice’s resilience, noting that if Rice expresses discomfort, it indicates a significant issue.
Tuchel recounted a conversation with Rice: “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.” The manager added that Rice was relieved to be taken off but later confirmed it was not an injury, expressing hope for a quick recovery from the nerve pain.
Tuchel believes Rice possesses the capability to manage this back issue from game to game. His versatility is also a key asset for England, as demonstrated when he played at right-back during the final 12 minutes of the match against Congo before being substituted. This move highlighted England’s ongoing challenges at right-back.
Rice himself commented on his temporary role at right-back after the Congo game, describing it as “probably the hardest 12 minutes of the game.” He acknowledged that while he has played in that position a few times this season and understands the role, it is “probably not my biggest strength.” Despite this, he affirmed his willingness to do “anything for the team and the manager.”
He expressed hope that he would not need to play at right-back in the next match, stating, “Let’s see what happens next game, but hopefully I don’t have to be at right-back.”
Midfield Availability and Defensive Concerns
Prior to the match against DR Congo, Rice was expected to start, having been rested for England’s 2-0 win over Panama due to a calf injury sustained in a goalless draw against Ghana. Although he missed part of the training schedule before the Panama game, he returned for the final session before the team travelled to New Jersey.
In Rice’s absence, Tuchel deployed a midfield pairing of Elliot Anderson and Jude Bellingham. However, the England manager was optimistic about Rice’s return to the starting lineup for the knockout stage match in Atlanta.
Tuchel’s primary injury concerns heading into the knockout rounds involve Reece James and Jarell Quansah. Chelsea full-back James missed the Panama match due to a hamstring injury sustained against Ghana. While Tuchel has not ruled out James for the DR Congo game, it is understood that his return to action is more likely to occur later in the tournament.
Similarly, Quansah, who filled in for James at right-back against Panama, is a significant doubt for the last-32 tie due to an ankle injury. Quansah will undergo assessment by England’s medical staff, but Tuchel has indicated that it will be “very tight” for the Bayer Leverkusen player to prove his fitness in time for the match.
These defensive injuries present a considerable dilemma for Tuchel, especially given that Tino Livramento had already left the squad with a calf issue before the tournament began. Djed Spence replaced Quansah against Panama and is a likely candidate to start against DR Congo if James and Quansah are unavailable. Tuchel also has the option of utilising centre-back Ezri Konsa at right-back.
The upcoming match against Mexico will be played at the Azteca Stadium on Sunday.
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Source: independent.co.uk
Amelia Stockwell is a Sports Reporter at News GB. She covered two Commonwealth Games for a national outlet. She focuses on tennis, cricket and athletics and is known for clear, deadline-driven reporting. She holds a degree in Sport and Media from the University of York and completed an NCTJ diploma. Now based in York, she runs with a local club and follows county cricket. “The quiet stories often matter most by the end of the season.”
