Declan Rice plays through 'terrible pain' as England sweat on Arsenal star for Mexico clash

Declan Rice is a serious fitness doubt for England’s World Cup last-16 clash with Mexico on Sunday after the Arsenal midfielder was forced off in the closing stages of the win over DR Congo in Atlanta, telling manager Thomas Tuchel he was in ‘terrible pain’.

Rice has been managing a lower back and neural problem that has affected his hamstrings throughout the tournament. Despite asking to be substituted, he later insisted he expects to be available for the knockout tie, and Tuchel offered a measured degree of reassurance.

“I asked him. He said: ‘I can do it for the team but I am in terrible pain’,” Tuchel told reporters. “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’s 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.”

Asked whether Rice could continue going from game to game, Tuchel replied simply: “He can, yeah.”

Beyond the fitness concern, Rice’s performance against DR Congo raised tactical questions. He looked uncharacteristically sluggish throughout and was eventually shifted to right-back — a move that coincided with England’s late improvement but also highlighted uncertainty over his midfield partnership with Elliot Anderson, with some observers questioning whether the two are too similar in profile.

England face further selection headaches heading into Mexico City. Reece James is edging closer to fitness but is unlikely to be ready in time, leaving Djed Spence as the most likely option at right-back after a difficult night against DR Congo. Jarell Quansah, who hurt his ankle against Panama in the final group game, is also working to prove his fitness.

The altitude of Mexico City adds another layer of difficulty for a squad already stretched by injuries and a congested schedule. For Arsenal in particular, Rice’s situation is a growing concern — the midfielder has had no meaningful rest across a marathon season and is visibly carrying the burden.