England star in ‘terrible pain’ as Thomas Tuchel gives worrying World Cup update

Tuchel could have another problem to solve (Picture: Richard Pelham/Getty Images)

Declan Rice was playing through ‘terrible pain’ in England’s World Cup win over DR Congo but the Arsenal midfielder hopes to be fit for the last 16 showdown with Mexico.

The Gunners star has been dealing with neural pain in his hamstring and lower back since the turn of the year that has affected his game time at the tournament so far.

Rice was replaced in the second-half against Croatia and was left out of the starting XI in the final group game against Panama.

He returned to the starting XI for the last 32 game against DR Congo but came off in stoppage time, immediately spotted with an icepack on his hamstring while sat on the bench.

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England's hero (Picture:Getty)

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Rice told reporters he was ‘as good as gold’ after the dramatic win over DR Congo, having also slotted into a right-back role in that game.

Speaking ahead of Sunday’s game against Mexico, Tuchel revealed his midfielder asked to come off such was a discomfort he was experiencing.

‘I asked him very late and he said “I can do it for the team, but I am in terrible pain”,’ Tuchel said.

Rice has been nursing a hamstring injury (Picture: Javier Garcia/Shutterstock)

‘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.’

Asked if he can go from game to game, Tuchel said: ‘He can, yeah.’

England return to action against Mexico on Sunday (Picture: 2026 Visionhaus)

England were without Reece James and Jarell Quansah in their last game.

‘They are getting close. They are getting closer and closer. I saw them on the pitch,’ Tuchel said of the pair.

‘In the nature of their injury, Jarell is a little bit ahead of Reecey. 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.’

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