What Declan Rice said after England’s game against DR Congo is really worrying.
England’s head coach, Thomas Tuchel, recently shared what he told Declan Rice after the midfielder was taken off near the end of their World Cup win against DR Congo.
Rice has been dealing with nerve pain in his hamstring since Christmas, which is why he didn’t play in England’s last group game against Panama due to fitness concerns.
A few days later, before the round-of-32 match with DR Congo, Rice said how he was feeling: “I’m good. Honestly, I’m good. Yes, there’s been a little issue with my hamstring, but it’s not a big deal because I’m still training and playing. I feel fine.
“In the last minute of the Ghana game, I got hit in the calf, and it swelled up for a few days — just bad luck, not really a calf problem. I’m managing everything well and feel fit and strong.”
Rice played well in the game in Atlanta but was substituted for John Stones in the final moments.
Tuchel then revealed that Rice was in “terrible pain” by the end of the game but assured fans he’ll be okay to continue in the tournament. According to The Mirror, Tuchel said, “I asked him, and he said, ‘I can keep going for the team, but I am in terrible pain.’ When Declan says that, you know he can’t take it anymore.”
Tuchel added, “He was glad we took him off, but he said after the match it’s not a real injury. He should recover. It’s more nerve pain, and I hope he’s right.”
Next up for England is Mexico, who will be a tough challenge at the famous Estadio Azteca. The stadium is over 7,000 feet above sea level — much higher than the UK’s highest point, Ben Nevis. Mexico is used to playing at this altitude, as all their matches have been there, but England might find it harder to adjust.
Tuchel said, “The altitude is a big disadvantage because we can’t physically get used to it in just three days between games. Mexico has a big advantage there. More challenges might come, but we’re ready to face them. We’ve shown we have the right attitude for this.”