England have touched down in Mexico City with just under 48 hours to go until their World Cup last-16 tie against the co-hosts, arriving into a diplomatic row and an injury crisis that has thrust Declan Rice into the centre of a fitness battle. The Arsenal midfielder has been playing through a neural problem affecting his hamstring and lower back, and was substituted in injury time of the 2-1 win over DR Congo. Manager Thomas Tuchel said after that game: “I asked him. 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 any more.” Despite the agony, Rice is expected to be available to start on Sunday. The same cannot be said for Reece James, who has missed two matches with a hamstring injury and has not returned to full training. Jarell Quansah, absent against DR Congo with an ankle issue, has stepped up his recovery but remains a doubt.
Off the pitch, England’s opponents are facing a FIFA investigation after Ecuador issued a new statement detailing harassment before their 2-0 defeat to Mexico. Ecuador’s flight was mysteriously delayed by several hours, and at their hotel civilians used loudspeakers, horns and motorcycles to cause disruption. The Ecuadorian federation said: “The Federation filed a formal complaint with FIFA, requesting a detailed investigation into the events that occurred before and during the match—including all those that may have compromised safety and security issues for our fans and players. This is the correct and official channel to clarify any situation related to a match of this magnitude.”
“England arrive in Mexico for World Cup last-16 with Declan Rice battling injury and Ecuador's formal FIFA complaint against hosts.”
England have taken their own precautions: earplugs are reportedly being used to block noise at a hotel whose location is being kept secret, though there are fears it will be leaked. The squad have been training in Kansas City amid concerns of spying, but under FIFA regulations they must hold an open session at the venue the day before the match. Earlier this week, FIFA discussed moving the kick‑off forward by six hours because of thunderstorms predicted at the Azteca Stadium, but both camps heavily rejected the change and a significant U‑turn was performed. The game will now remain at 18:00 local time (01:00 BST on Monday), meaning UK fans face a finish that could stretch beyond 4am if extra time and penalties are required. For the players, the noise and hostility will be intense, with a hostile welcome and atmosphere expected south of the border. Tuchel’s side have landed, and every detail – from Rice’s hamstring to the weather – now collides ahead of a tie that threatens to be anything but straightforward.