Rice’s fitness concerns ahead of Mexico clash
England head coach Thomas Tuchel has indicated that Declan Rice is expected to be available for the FIFA World Cup last-16 match against Mexico, despite the midfielder experiencing significant discomfort. Rice, who was substituted late in England’s 2-1 victory over DR Congo in the last 32, has been managing nerve pain in his back throughout the tournament. Tuchel confirmed that Rice told him he was in “terrible pain” but was willing to continue playing for the team.
The 27-year-old Arsenal midfielder has been carefully managed in training sessions due to ongoing fitness issues. These include a calf injury that led him to miss England’s final group-stage match against Panama, as well as hamstring problems that have required him to wear compression sleeves. Tuchel acknowledged Rice’s resilience, noting that if Rice expresses being in “terrible pain,” it signifies a serious issue for him.
Despite these challenges, Tuchel believes Rice can manage the pain from game to game. Rice’s importance to the team was highlighted during the match against DR Congo when he was moved to right-back. This tactical shift occurred after England fell behind 1-0 to Congo in Atlanta following Brian Cipenga’s seventh-minute goal. The move allowed for an additional forward option, Eberechi Eze, and proved to be a pivotal decision in the game.
Versatility and defensive challenges
Rice’s temporary role at right-back showcased his versatility, a quality Tuchel values highly. Rice himself admitted that the 12 minutes spent in the right-back position were challenging, describing it as “probably the hardest 12 minutes of the game.” He stated that while it is not his preferred role, he would do anything for the team and the manager. He has played in that position a few times this season and understands the role, but hopes not to be required there in future matches, especially as the calibre of wingers England might face later in the tournament is expected to increase.
England’s defensive concerns have also included injuries to other key players. Reece James and Jarell Quansah are currently sidelined but are reportedly nearing a return. Tino Livramento sustained a calf injury before the tournament began. James started England’s first two matches before a hamstring issue ruled him out of games against Panama and DR Congo. Quansah stepped in at right-back against Panama but was forced off due to an ankle injury, which also kept him out of the last-32 victory.
Tuchel provided an update on James and Quansah, stating that both players are making good progress in their recovery. He noted that Quansah is slightly ahead in his rehabilitation compared to James. The coach expressed optimism that both players are getting closer to being available, with the focus on ensuring they are ready for potential future matches, including a possible quarter-final next week. The team is preparing for their upcoming match against Mexico at the Azteca Stadium in Mexico City on Sunday.
Mexico’s strong home record and fan excitement
Mexico enters the last-16 match with a formidable home record, particularly at the Estadio Azteca. They are unbeaten in the 10 matches they have played at the Azteca Stadium across three World Cup finals, securing eight wins and two draws, while scoring 16 goals and conceding only two. Overall, Mexico has played 89 competitive matches at the Estadio Azteca, losing only twice. These two defeats occurred in World Cup qualifiers this century, specifically a 1-2 loss to Costa Rica in 2001 and a 1-2 loss to Honduras in 2013.
The co-hosts have generated considerable excitement among their fans, especially after their 2-0 victory over Ecuador in the last 32. This win marked Mexico’s first knockout stage victory in a World Cup in 40 years. Following the match, fans in Mexico City celebrated extensively, with reports of parties continuing into the early hours. One fan, Ivan Toribo, expressed heightened expectations for the team, stating that their current performance has elevated their hopes for the tournament.
Mexico’s performance has been notable for their tactical approach, which has seen them win their first four games in a single tournament without conceding a goal, a feat previously achieved only by Italy in 1990 and Brazil in 1986. Their goals against Ecuador came within a 10-minute span in the first half, with contributions from Julian Quinones and Raul Jimenez. Despite not dominating possession in most of their matches, Mexico has scored eight goals in their four games without conceding any. The team’s speed in attack is considered a significant threat, posing a true test for England in their upcoming encounter.
The match against Mexico will take place at the Azteca Stadium on Sunday.
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Source: tntsports.co.uk
Freya Donnelly is the Sports Reporter at News-UK, covering tennis, cricket and athletics with seven years of reporting experience. She reported on Team GB through an Olympic cycle. She holds a degree in Sport and Media from the University of Brighton and completed an NCTJ diploma. Based in Brighton, she plays club cricket in the summer. “Listening is the most underrated skill in sports reporting.”
