Declan Rice injury update with England star suffering from neural problem ahead of World Cup last-16 clash vs Mexico
DECLAN RICE is battling injury to brave his way through the World Cup. But he will play through the “terrible pain” barrier and is on course to start against Mexico on Sunday night. Rice, 27, has played a staggering 65 matches so far this season for club and country as Arsenal won the Premier League and reached the Champions League final. But he has neural problems affecting his lower back and hamstring. Rice was struggling against DR Congo and was subbed off late on. However, he insisted he is “good as gold”. And it is understood the midfielder is ready to start in the Azteca. Rice played the latter stages of the DR Congo game at right-back. Reece James (hamstring) and Jarell Quansah (ankle) were both injured while Djed Spence struggled and was taken off with England chasing the game. And with the fitness troubles surrounding James and Quansah – neither are in full training – there is a chance Rice might be needed at right-back again against Mexico. Most read in Sport WORLD CUP 2026 FREE BETS AND SIGN UP OFFERS World Cup 2026 - all the info IT'S A KNOCKOUT The knockout stages of the World Cup are hotting up. England believe football might finally be coming home after 60 years of hurt, with Harry Kane on fire. But the likes of France, Spain, Brazil and Argentina are all serious contenders to go all the way. Heavyweights Germany and the Netherlands have both been knocked out on penalties in the Round of 32. LATEST NEWS - All pubs that will open for England’s 1am World Cup clash - Mexican journalists planning to sabotage England’s preparations - England’s ‘spygate’ fears see chiefs make late change to schedule - The technology that kept Ronaldo’s World Cup dream alive - Ronaldo in tears as he wears Jota shirt in emotional tribute KEY INFO - World Cup 2026 full match schedule including kick-off times - World Cup 2026 full squads - World Cup 2026 rule changes - World Cup 2026 prize money VIDEO - Proper Football Daily: Get all the expert analysis each morning - Team Talk – Tactics Exposed: Dive into the tactical talking points TIPS AND BETTING If you click a link in this article, we will earn affiliate revenue. Rice admitted it would not be his choice to fill in at full-back – but insists he will do anything to help his country chase World Cup glory. He said: “It was probably the hardest 12 minutes of the game having a stint at right back. “I have played there two or three times this season. “I know the role, it is probably not my biggest strength, but to do anything for the team and the manager. “I said I would do my best, and I think I did well there. “Let’s see what happens next game, but hopefully I don’t have to be at right-back.” Rice missed one Premier League game in the 2025-26 season through a knee injury in December. He was then rested for the final day of the season ahead of the Champions League final. And Thomas Tuchel gave him the Panama game off. But the German is still concerned about his key midfielder. Tuchel revealed: “I asked him. He said, ‘I can do it for the team but I am in terrible pain.’ “When Declan tells you he is in terrible pain then you know he cannot take it any more.” The Mexico game was going to be changed to 7pm UK time on Sunday evening due to a forecast of thunderstorms. But after both England and Mexico kicked off about the late change, Fifa confirmed the original 1am time will stand – 6pm local time in Mexico.