England receive major double injury boost over fitness of Reece James and Declan Rice

Jul 3, 2026 - 17:45

England have been handed a double injury boost with Reece James and Declan Rice both in contention to face Mexico.

Boss Thomas Tuchel has been sweating on the fitness of Rice after complaining of discomfort in his hamstring following Wednesday’s 2-1 win over DR Congo.

Declan Rice after being substituted against DR Congo — Declan Rice sparked concern after going off against DR Congo with the midfielder seen holding an ice pack to his hamstring

Reece James’ injury was not as bad as first feared

The Arsenal midfielder has been dealing with neural pain in his hamstring since Christmas and was taken off as a precaution in the opening group game win over Croatia.

Meanwhile, there is further good news for the Three Lions after scan results conducted on James came back positive.

The Chelsea skipper has missed the last two games with a hamstring problem but is on the mend after early reports had claimed he might miss the remainder of the tournament.

The news will be a welcome surprise to Tuchel who will need his walking wounded ready for the business end of the tournament.

England step into a cauldron on Sunday night when they face Mexico at the iconic Azteca Stadium.

The high altitude in Mexico City is expected to see Tuchel’s stars pushed to their physical limits.

The England boss is likely to utilise his squad depth in an attempt to overcome the wider challenges that the game will present.

If Tuchel deems James fit enough to start this weekend’s showdown then it will also clear up his right-back conundrum.

Jarell Quansah and Djed Spence has both deputised in James’ absence however neither have been able to stake a claim for the berth.

Even Rice enjoyed a short stint covering in the position against Congo.

Djed Spence in action for England — Djed Spence is ready to step in at right-back if preferred over James and Quansah

James did his best to allay fears over his injury following England’s win over Congo in midweek telling reporters, “It’s okay, I’m feeling good.”

Prior to the match in Atlanta, Tuchel hinted that James was on his way back.

He said: “In the nature of their injury, Jarell is a little bit ahead of Reecey.

“But the race was close even to make it into the match squad this time, so we need to make sure that we have more matches.”

If James is preserved on Sunday, then the 26-year-old could be a key figure in the latter rounds – should England beat Mexico – with the prospect of Brazil and Argentina possibly still to come.

That could see Quansah battle it out with Spence a starting spot.

Thomas Tuchel stands with his arms folded — Tuchel has some key decisions to make for Sunday’s clash in Mexico

Tuchel could even spring aa surprise by opting for John Stones at right back as advocated by Neil Warnock live on talkSPORT on Friday.

In preparation for Sunday’s clash, England will train at altitude in Mexico City on Saturday.

That will be their final tune-up before they step into the unknown with a kick-off time scheduled for 7pm (local), 1 am Monday (BST).

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