England faces injury worries as their star player is seen in pain right after the game.
England might have to play without one of their key players against Mexico after he was spotted nursing an injury following their win over DR Congo.
On Wednesday night, England had a tough start but managed to secure their spot in the round of 16 at the 2026 World Cup. DR Congo’s Brian Cipenga scored early in the 7th minute, putting his team ahead. But England captain Kane stepped up, scoring twice in the 75th and 86th minutes, leading to a 2-1 win.
Next, England will face co-host Mexico in the round of 16, with the match kicking off at 1am BST on Monday, July 6, at the famous Estadio Azteca.
However, there’s some worry that England may be without Declan Rice, as he was seen icing his hamstring after the game. Rice has been a crucial player for England so far, especially in this tournament.
In a key move during the DR Congo match, England’s manager Thomas Tuchel took off Djed Spence and shifted Rice to right-back so Eberechi Eze could join the midfield. Both Rice and Eze did really well in their new roles and helped England secure the win.
Many fans think that if Reece James and Jarell Quansah remain injured, Rice should start at right-back against Mexico, letting either Eze or Morgan Rogers take midfield positions.
But since Rice was taken off late in the game and seen icing his injury, Tuchel might need to put Spence back at right-back and ask Bellingham to take on more defensive duties.
The good news is that Quansah could be ready to return on Monday. He was named on the bench against DR Congo after recovering from an ankle injury he got during the win over Panama last weekend.
Quansah didn’t play in the match but being part of the squad is a positive sign. Tuchel said both Quansah and James are getting closer to full fitness, with Quansah a little ahead.
So, if Rice can’t play against Mexico, Quansah’s possible comeback would be great timing for England as they push forward in the tournament.