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Rice Starts for England Despite Hamstring, James Doubtful

7/4/2026

Summary

Rice Starts

Declan Rice will start for England in the last-16 match against Mexico on Sunday at 18:00.
Rice suffers hamstring and lower-back problems, in pain but wants to play, England manager Thomas Tuchel says.
Chelsea right-back Reece James is doubtful after two hamstring-injury absences, though he trained Friday.
If James and Liverpool defender Jarell Quansah stay unavailable, Tuchel will likely keep right-back Djed Spence at right-back and use Rice in midfield.

Summary

Tuchel Rotates

England opened the tournament with a 4-2 win over Croatia.
England drew 0-0 with Ghana, showing defensive resilience but difficulty breaking compact opponents.
England beat Panama 2-0 while manager Thomas Tuchel rested midfielder Declan Rice.
Tuchel rotated the squad to preserve fitness ahead of the round-of-32 match against DR Congo on Sunday.
Midfielders Elliot Anderson and Jude Bellingham started against Panama, providing fresh options after Rice’s rest.

Summary

Rice Overused

Rice logged 5,167 minutes this campaign, starting 59 of 65 matches.
Tuchel said the pain is neural, affecting Rice’s hamstring and lower back, not a structural injury.
The heavy workload has raised concerns about Rice’s fitness for Arsenal’s 2026/27 season.
Arsenal fans fear the lingering pain could disrupt the club’s pre-season after the World Cup.

History

Historical Context

In 1998 England reached the World Cup quarter-finals while midfielder Paul Gascoigne played through a hamstring, logging about 1,200 minutes and prompting manager Glenn Hoddle to lean on young David Beckham. Today, Thomas Tuchel faces a similar dilemma, with Declan Rice already at 5,167 minutes, reviving concerns that over-using midfield cores can jeopardise tournament success.

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Rice Starts

Declan Rice will start for England in the last-16 match against Mexico on Sunday at 18:00.
Rice suffers hamstring and lower-back problems, in pain but wants to play, England manager Thomas Tuchel says.
Chelsea right-back Reece James is doubtful after two hamstring-injury absences, though he trained Friday.
If James and Liverpool defender Jarell Quansah stay unavailable, Tuchel will likely keep right-back Djed Spence at right-back and use Rice in midfield.

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