Declan Rice Expected to Start Against Mexico Despite Persistent Injury Concerns

Declan Rice is likely to participate in England’s World Cup last-16 match against Mexico on Sunday despite ongoing injury concerns.

The Arsenal midfielder has been managing a hamstring and lower back issue during the tournament, being substituted in stoppage time during England’s 2-1 victory over DR Congo in the Round of 32.

Following that match, manager Thomas Tuchel noted: “I asked him directly. He responded: ‘I can play for the team but I’m in severe pain.’ When Declan explicitly states he’s in terrible pain, it indicates he cannot continue.”

While Rice is projected to start against Mexico, Reece James’ availability remains uncertain after missing two games due to a hamstring injury. He has not yet resumed full training ahead of Sunday’s game at 18:00 local time (01:00 BST Monday), though weather conditions might influence his inclusion.

Jarell Quansah, who sat out the DR Congo match with an ankle problem, has accelerated his recovery process, though his availability for the upcoming game has not been confirmed yet.

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