​Declan Rice is not coping with a new injury, according to Thomas Tuchel, who expects the England midfielder to be fit for the World Cup last-16 clash with Mexico at the Azteca on Sunday. The 27-year-old had to come off late in England’s 2-1 victory over the Democratic Republic of Congo after managing persistent nerve pain in his back throughout the tournament. Rice has regularly logged over 4,000 minutes this season, making him one of the most heavily used players at the World Cup.
Tuchel said he questioned Rice, who told him, “I can do it for the team but I am in terrible pain,” a sign the issue was serious. “When Declan says he is in terrible pain, you know he cannot take it anymore,” Tuchel explained. He added that Rice was grateful to be withdrawn and, after the game, insisted there is no ongoing injury—just nerve pain that should allow him to recover. Tuchel reiterated his belief that Rice can manage the issue from game to game and highlighted his versatility, noting that Rice even filled in at right-back for the Congo match’s final 12 minutes.
With England’s right-back options limited, Rice’s late appearance at right-back could be a consideration for the Mexico match, though the player himself downplayed the role. “Those 12 minutes were probably the hardest of the game,” Rice admitted post-match. He described the game as a back-and-forth affair, acknowledging the need to protect against Congo’s fast wingers. He has played the position a few times this season and knows the responsibilities, but it isn’t his preferred role. “I did my best for the team and the manager,” he said. “Let’s see what happens next game, but hopefully I won’t have to be at right-back.”