England head coach Thomas Tuchel has allayed concerns that midfielder Declan Rice could miss the 2026 FIFA World Cup Round of 16 clash with co-hosts Mexico on Sunday (July 5) in Mexico City due to injury.

Rice, 27, played the Three Lions’ opening two group games, delivering an assist in the 4-2 campaign-opening victory over 2018 finalists Croatia. He played the full 90 minutes of the goalless draw with Ghana, where he sustained a calf issue that sidelined him for the 2-0 win over Panama.

The Arsenal man returned for the 2-1 come-from-behind Round of 32 win over DR Congo earlier this week, coming off deep in stoppage time after complaining of pain.

Providing an update on the midfielder’s potential availability against Mexico this weekend, Tuchel said that Rice should be good to play (as per Irish Times);

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

“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.”

In eight games at the FIFA World Cup, Rice has an assist, having gone without a goal contribution at Qatar 2022, where the Three Lions lost 2-1 to eventual finalists France in the quarter-finals.

“They’re getting close” – England boss provides update on injured duo before 2026 FIFA World Cup Round of 16

England boss Thomas Tuchel said that the injured right-back duo of Reece James and Jarrel Quansah are progressing well in terms of their recovery, but the 2026 FIFA World Cup Round of 32 game against DR Congo came a bit too soon.

James suffered a hamstirng injury during the goalless draw with Ghana and hasn’t featured for the Three Lions since then. Meanwhile, Quansah, injured his ankle against Panama after twisting his ankle.

“They are getting close,” Tuchel said (as per Irish Times). “They are getting closer and closer. I saw them on the pitch.

“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.”

England started Djed Spence at right-back against Congo before he came off in the 70th minute for Eberechi Eze, with Declan Rice playing the remainder of the game at Spence’s position.