DECLAN RICE begged to be substituted against DR Congo because he was in so much pain.
But manager Tuchel hopes the midfielder will be fine for the last 16 clash with Mexico .
Thomas Tuchel is hopeful about Declan Rice’s fitness Credit: Reuters
The midfielder was in a lot of pain against DR Congo Credit: Alamy
, 27, has struggled with a hamstring issue since Christmas and has been playing through the pain barrier.
And Tuchel revealed that Rice was suffering issues towards the end of the in Atlanta.
Rice, who had , was replaced by in injury time.
Tuchel said: “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 anymore.
“He was grateful we took him off but he said after the game it’s not an issue.
“There is no injury, I think he will recover.
“He was just in pain and I hope he is right. It’s more of a nerve pain.”
Rice, who won his 76th cap on Wednesday, walked freely through the interview area in Atlanta after the game.
So he is expected to take his place in the midfield alongside at the Azteca Stadium.
He has already missed one game during the tournament as he was benched for the 2-0 win over .
‘s brace ensured England made it through to the last 16 after an early scare against .
Brian Cipenga had given the underdogs the lead in just the seventh minute after left him all alone on England’s right side.
It was the – since the 1966 World Cup final – that England have come from behind to win in a World Cup fixture.
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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