Tuchel reveals Rice played through ‘terrible pain’ against DR Congo – and provides injury update on James and Quansah | OneFootball

Thomas Tuchel has revealed Declan Rice was suffering with a lot of pain during England’s win over DR Congo.

Rice has been managing a hamstring problem during the World Cup but played almost the entirety of the round of 32 clash to help England to a 2-1 win.

The midfielder was also moved out to right-back for the closing stages of the tie, and asked about Rice staying on the pitch until late on, England boss Tuchel said: “I asked him very late and he said ‘I can do it for the team, but I am in terrible pain.’

“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.

“He just said after the game it’s not an issue, he will recover, so there is no injury. He was just in pain so I hope he is right. It’s more nerval pain.”

Meanwhile, defensive duo Reece James and Jarell Quansah both missed the win over DR Congo, but Tuchel has not ruled out either returning for the round of 16 clash with Mexico.

“They are getting close,” he said. “They are getting closer and closer. I saw them on the pitch.

“In the nature of their injury, Jarell is a little bit ahead of Reece. But the race was close even to make it into the match squad this time, so we need to make sure that we have more matches.

“That is the main focus and then they will be available very soon.”