Thomas Tuchel says Declan Rice is expected to be available for England World Cup Round of 16 match with Mexico although the midfielder played through what the coach described as “terrible pain” against the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Rice had been suffering from nerve pain in his hamstring since Christmas and required close monitoring throughout the tournament.
The Arsenal midfielder was withdrawn as a precaution during England’s opening match against Croatia before returning against Ghana. He then missed the win over Panama after suffering a calf injury, but returned to the starting lineup for the win on Wednesday.
Tuchel revealed how upset Rice was after the match.
“I asked him very late and he said: ‘I can do it for the team, but I’m in a lot of pain,'” Tuchel said.
“When Declan tells you he’s in terrible pain, you know he can’t take it anymore, so he was grateful we got him out of hospital.”
Tuchel is confident of Rice’s ability to continue
Rice was substituted in stoppage time after another impressive display, and even filled in at right-back during the closing stages as England dealt with several defensive absences.
Despite concerns over his ongoing nerve problem, Tuchel believes the midfielder can continue to manage the problem throughout the tournament.
“He just said after the match it’s not a problem and he will recover, so there is no injury,” Tuchel said.
“It’s more nerve pain.”
When asked if Rice could continue to transition from game to game, the England coach replied: “He can, yes.”
There are still doubts about James and Quansah
England’s biggest injury concerns remain centered around defenders Reece James and Jarrell Quansah.
James has not participated since he suffered a hamstring injury against Ghana, while Quansah suffered an ankle injury after participating in the right-back position against Panama.
Tuchel confirmed that both players are making progress, but he stopped short of guaranteeing their participation against Mexico.
“They are getting closer. They are getting closer and closer. I saw them on the field,” he said.
“In the nature of their injury, Jarrell is a little bit ahead of Risi. But it was a close race to even get into the matchday squad this time.”
Neither player participated in England’s recovery session in Kansas City after the win over Democratic Republic of Congo, leaving doubts about their readiness for Sunday’s match at Azteca Stadium.
