Declan Rice is expected to start for England in their World Cup last-16 match against Mexico on Sunday, July 7, 2026, despite struggling with a persistent injury. The Arsenal midfielder has been dealing with a neural issue affecting his hamstring and lower back, which forced him to exit during the injury time of the 2-1 victory over DR Congo.
Following the match, manager Thomas Tuchel stated, "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." This statement underscores the severity of Rice's condition, raising questions about his fitness for the crucial encounter.
Reece James' Availability Uncertain
In contrast, Reece James's participation remains uncertain as he has missed two consecutive matches due to a hamstring injury. Reports indicate that James has not yet returned to full training ahead of the match against Mexico, which is scheduled for 18:00 local time (01:00 BST on Monday). The potential for a schedule change due to weather conditions adds another layer of uncertainty.
As England prepares for this significant clash, the team is also keeping an eye on Jarell Quansah, who was sidelined during the win over DR Congo due to an ankle injury. Quansah has ramped up his recovery efforts, but his availability for the match remains unclear.
Key Match Details
The upcoming match against Mexico is pivotal for England's progression in the tournament. Fans are eagerly anticipating the showdown, scheduled for Sunday evening. The national team aims to capitalize on their recent form, as they navigate through the knockout stages of the 2026 World Cup.
- Match Date: July 7, 2026
- Opponent: Mexico
- Kick-off Time: 18:00 local time (01:00 BST)
- Previous Match Result: England 2 - 1 DR Congo
What’s Next for the Team?
As the competition intensifies, England's coaching staff will closely monitor Rice's condition and make strategic decisions regarding the lineup. The team is focused on advancing further in the tournament while managing player health effectively. With key players like Rice and James potentially in and out of the lineup, the dynamics of the match against Mexico could shift significantly.
🤖 This article was rewritten by Feed and Figures' editorial AI from a report originally published by BBC Football. Facts and quotes are preserved from the original; the rewrite focuses on clarity and structure. For the unedited original, see the source link below.
