Overview
- England moved Declan Rice to right‑back late in the 2-1 win over DR Congo on Wednesday, where he helped spark the comeback before asking to be substituted because of severe pain.
- Thomas Tuchel revealed Rice told staff he was “in terrible pain,” described the problem as neural rather than a new injury, and said he expects Rice to be available for the last‑16 match with Mexico.
- Rice has publicly said he will do whatever the team needs but hopes not to be used at right‑back again, and he has been managed carefully across the tournament because of recurring lower‑back/hamstring nerve pain dating to December.
- Tuchel does not appear to be planning a permanent switch of Rice to right‑back and confirmed Reece James and Jarell Quansah are progressing in recovery but remain doubtful for the Mexico game.
- Rice’s heavy 2025/26 workload for club and country leaves England weighing short‑term gains from his versatility against the risk of worsening a chronic nerve issue and will require close day‑to‑day management if they progress in the tournament.