England: Thomas Tuchel issues Declan Rice injury update for Mexico clash after 'terrible pain' complaint

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Evening Standard

·2 July 2026

England: Thomas Tuchel issues Declan Rice injury update for Mexico clash after 'terrible pain' complaint

Three Lions boss insists midfielder is not injured, but has provided a worrying update on his fitness

Thomas Tuchel has revealed Declan Rice was in “terrible pain” following England’s win over DR Congo game, but the midfielder is not injured and will recover to face Mexico.

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The midfielder looked tired for long periods at Atlanta Stadium as England came from behind to defeat DR Congo and set up a round of 16 meeting at the historic Azteca Stadium on Sunday.

Rice was substituted during England’s opening game of the tournament against Croatia after during a flare-up of “neural pain” in his hamstring, an issue he has carried since December.

The Arsenal midfielder against DR Congo moved to right-back with 15 minutes to play as England hunted, successfully, for two goals, before being taken off following Kane’s second.

Rice appeared to be holding the back of his leg when being replaced by John Stones, but left Atlanta Stadium in good spirits.

Declan Rice

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Questionedon whether Rice needs to be managed from game to game, Tuchel replied: “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.

“He was grateful we took him off but he said after the game it is not an issue.

“There is no injury. I think he will recover. He was just in pain and I hope he is right. It’s more neural pain.”

England fans will hope Rice’s recovery is swift and that he can start alongside Elliot Anderson again in midfield when the Three Lions face Mexico for a place in the quarter-finals on Sunday.