Tuchel confirms Rice fit but James faces late test for England's World Cup clash with Mexico

Thomas Tuchel has confirmed Declan Rice is available for England’s FIFA World Cup last-16 tie against Mexico on Sunday, while Reece James faces a late fitness test to determine whether the Chelsea captain can feature after a hamstring problem.

James did not take part in England’s full training session on Saturday, instead completing a personalised programme. Tuchel said his first-choice right-back remains a doubt but could make the bench if cleared by the medical staff ahead of the 6pm kick-off.

“Reece can maybe make it on the bench, but we need a last assessment from the doctors and a medical opinion,” Tuchel said at his pre-match press conference outside the 80,000-capacity stadium.

Jarrell Quansah, meanwhile, has recovered from the ankle injury he sustained against Panama a week ago and is fully available. The Bayer Leverkusen defender is in contention to start at right-back ahead of Djed Spence, who struggled in England’s victory over DR Congo.

Rice has been managing pain in his back and hamstring and finished the DR Congo match at right-back, but Tuchel expects the midfield linchpin to return to his natural position alongside Elliot Anderson in the centre of the park.

Tuchel also addressed concerns over the atmosphere England’s players may face, with reports suggesting Mexican supporters planned to make loud noises and set off pyrotechnics outside the squad’s hotel on Saturday night. The England manager played down the threat, noting that around 100 riot police are stationed at the hotel and that FIFA has been made aware of the situation.

“I don’t expect any hostility. So far, everyone was very respectful,” Tuchel said. “It will be emotional and full of support for the home nation — I don’t expect a hostile environment.”

On the prospect of a disrupted night’s sleep, Tuchel was equally measured. “It’s a 6pm kick-off so if we don’t have sleep, we have some time to get hours in in the morning. I don’t want to talk about problems that don’t exist.”

England completed a one-hour training session on Saturday afternoon as they prepared for what is their most significant test of the tournament so far.