England are set to have Declan Rice available for Sunday’s World Cup last-16 clash against Mexico, despite the Arsenal midfielder carrying a neural problem.
Rice has been managing an injury that affects his hamstring and lower back throughout the tournament, causing him considerable discomfort on the pitch.
The midfielder was substituted in injury time during England’s 2-1 victory over DR Congo in the last 32, having pushed through significant pain to help the team over the line.
Thomas Tuchel revealed the extent of Rice’s suffering after the DR Congo match, giving an insight into the midfielder’s determination to contribute for his country.
Speaking after the game, Tuchel said: “I asked him. He said: ‘I can do it for the team but I am in terrible pain.’ When Declan tells you he is in terrible pain then you know he cannot take it any more.”
Despite that, Rice is expected to be fit enough to start against Mexico, underlining his importance to Tuchel’s side heading into the knockout stages.
England’s selection concerns do not end with Rice, however, as Reece James remains a doubt for the last-16 tie against Mexico.
The Chelsea right-back has missed two matches with a hamstring injury and has yet to return to full training ahead of Sunday’s fixture.
Sunday’s match is scheduled for 18:00 local time, which translates to 01:00 BST on Monday morning, though the kick-off time could yet shift due to weather conditions in the host city.
Adding further depth to England’s injury concerns, back-up right-back Jarell Quansah is working his way back from an ankle issue that kept him out of the win over DR Congo.
Quansah has stepped up his recovery in recent days, but it remains unclear whether he will be declared fit in time to feature against Mexico.
Tuchel will be hoping to have as many options available as possible as England target a place in the World Cup quarter-finals.
