Rice’s Injury Status and Manager’s Comments
Declan Rice is anticipated to be available for England‘s World Cup last-16 match against Mexico, according to manager Thomas Tuchel. The midfielder had been managing nerve pain in his back during the tournament, which led to his substitution at the end of England’s 2-1 victory over Democratic Republic of Congo. Tuchel indicated that while Rice experienced significant pain, he does not have a formal injury and is expected to recover.
Tuchel recounted a conversation with Rice, where the player expressed his willingness to play for the team despite being in considerable pain. The manager noted that when Rice communicates such discomfort, it signifies a serious issue. Rice was reportedly grateful for being taken off the pitch but later stated that the problem was not an injury, rather nerve pain. Tuchel remains optimistic about Rice’s ability to manage the issue game by game.
Rice has played a substantial number of minutes this season, making him one of the most active players in the World Cup. His resilience is a known quality, and Tuchel understands that any complaint from Rice about an issue is noteworthy. This highlights the midfielder’s importance and his commitment to playing through discomfort for the team.
Versatility and Right-Back Role
Rice’s versatility has also been a key asset for England. Towards the end of the match against Democratic Republic of Congo, he filled in at right-back for approximately 12 minutes before being substituted. This move addressed some of England‘s well-documented challenges in that position.
Following the Democratic Republic of Congo game, Rice commented on his temporary role at right-back, describing it as a challenging period within the match. He acknowledged that while he has played in that position a few times this season and understands the role, it is not his preferred position. Despite this, he expressed his readiness to do whatever is needed for the team and the manager. He hopes not to have to play at right-back in the upcoming match against Mexico.
Other Injury Concerns for England
While Declan Rice is expected to be fit, England faces other injury concerns, particularly in the right-back position. Reece James missed the win against Panama due to a hamstring injury sustained in the match against Ghana. Although Tuchel has not ruled out James for the Democratic Republic of Congo game, it is understood that his return is more likely later in the tournament.
Another player, Jarell Quansah, who deputized for James at right-back against Panama, is also a significant doubt for the last-32 tie due to an ankle injury. Quansah’s fitness will be assessed, but Tuchel has indicated that it will be a very tight timeline for him to be ready. These injuries create a dilemma for Tuchel regarding the right-back position, especially since Tino Livramento had already left the squad with a calf issue before the tournament began.
In light of these issues, Djed Spence replaced Quansah against Panama and is a likely candidate to start against Democratic Republic of Congo if James and Quansah are not fit. Tuchel also has the option of deploying centre-back Ezri Konsa in the right-back role. Prior to the match against Democratic Republic of Congo, Rice was rested for the 2-0 victory over Panama after receiving a heavy blow to the calf during the goalless draw with Ghana.
During Rice’s absence, Thomas Tuchel opted for a midfield pairing of Elliot Anderson and Jude Bellingham. However, the manager was optimistic about Rice’s return to the starting XI for the knockout match against Democratic Republic of Congo in Atlanta.
Rice was unable to complete the full training schedule before the Panama match but did return for the team’s final session before traveling to New Jersey.
The England squad is preparing for their upcoming match against Mexico at the Azteca on Sunday.
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Source: independent.co.uk
