Declan Rice injury update after England beat DR Congo to reach World Cup last 16

Mandatory Credit: Photo by Javier Garcia/Shutterstock (16970375ei) Declan Rice of England applies an ice-pack to his leg after being substituted England v DR Congo, 2026 FIFA World Cup, Group of 32, Football, Atlanta Stadium, Atlanta, Georgia, USA - 01 Jul 2026
Declan Rice was forced off with a hamstring injury in England’s comeback win against DR Congo (Shutterstock)

Declan Rice has played down the severity of his hamstring injury after England came from behind to beat DR Congo at the World Cup on Wednesday.

England were staring down the barrel of an exit at the round-of-32 stage after Brian Cipenga’s goal in the seventh minute put DR Congo in front.

However, Harry Kane came to England’s rescue as his two goals in the second half sealed a 2-1 win to set up a last-16 tie against Mexico.

Rice, meanwhile, was shifted to right-back in the second half before he was forced off with a hamstring problem in the closing stages.

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The Arsenal midfielder was seen holding a large pack of ice on his left hamstring on the bench and has been managing the ongoing issue since Christmas.

However, speaking after England’s win, Rice insisted that he will recover for England’s next match against Mexico, which kicks off at 1am BST on Monday morning.

‘I’m fine. Good as gold. Good,’ Rice told BBC Five Live.

Mandatory Credit: Photo by Javier Garcia/Shutterstock (16970375eh) Declan Rice of England applies an ice-pack to his leg after being substituted England v DR Congo, 2026 FIFA World Cup, Group of 32, Football, Atlanta Stadium, Atlanta, Georgia, USA - 01 Jul 2026
Declan Rice was seen icing his left hamstring on England’s bench (Shutterstock)

‘It’s what happens when you play in 30 degree heat I suppose. Tough game. Give it everything and bodies been through a lot in that match. Time to recover and go again.

‘It was probably the hardest 12 minutes of the game having a stint at right back.

‘In games like that it was probably too much of a basketball match at times, back and forth, and we had to take the sting out of it because they have fast wingers.

‘I think we made more hard work of it than we needed to.

‘I have played there two or three times this season, I know the role, it is probably not my biggest strength but to do anything for the team and the manager.

’12 minutes left I said I would do my best and I think I did well there. Let’s see what happens next game but hopefully I don’t have to be at right back.’

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