Thomas Tuchel says Declan Rice is expected to be available for England’s World Cup last-16 clash with Mexico despite the midfielder playing through what the manager described as “terrible pain” against DR Congo.
Rice has been managing neural pain in his hamstring since Christmas and has required careful monitoring throughout the tournament.
The Arsenal midfielder was withdrawn as a precaution during England’s opening match against Croatia before returning against Ghana. He then sat out the victory over Panama after suffering a calf injury but was back in the starting line-up for Wednesday’s win.
Tuchel revealed the extent of Rice’s discomfort after the match.
“I asked him very late and he said, ‘I can do it for the team, but I am in terrible pain,’” Tuchel said.
“When Declan tells you that he is in terrible pain, then you know he cannot take it anymore, so he was grateful that we took him off.”
Tuchel confident Rice can continue
Rice was substituted in stoppage time after another influential display, having even filled in at right-back during the closing stages as England dealt with several defensive absences.
Despite concerns over his ongoing nerve issue, Tuchel believes the midfielder can continue to manage the problem throughout the tournament.
“He just said after the game it’s not an issue, he will recover, so there is no injury,” Tuchel said.
“It’s more nerval pain.”
Asked whether Rice could continue going from game to game, the England boss replied: “He can, yeah.”
James and Quansah remain doubts
England’s biggest injury concerns continue to centre on defenders Reece James and Jarell Quansah.
James has not featured since suffering a hamstring injury against Ghana, while Quansah picked up an ankle problem after deputising at right-back against Panama.
Tuchel confirmed both players are making progress but stopped short of guaranteeing their involvement against Mexico.
“They are getting close. They are getting closer and closer. I saw them on the pitch,” he said.
“In the nature of their injury, Jarell is a little bit ahead of Reecey. But the race was close even to make it into the match squad this time.”
Neither player took part in England’s recovery session in Kansas City following the win over DR Congo, leaving doubts over their availability for Sunday’s match at the Estadio Azteca.
