Thomas Tuchel faces a pivotal selection decision ahead of England's World Cup round-of-16 clash with Mexico, with the possibility of deploying Declan Rice at right-back—a tactic never before seen from an England manager in a knockout match. The move, which Tuchel first tried during the group stage against DR Congo, could be repeated at the Azteca Stadium despite the added physical demands of altitude.
Rice's Emergency Role Against DR Congo
Chasing a win against DR Congo, ranked 46th in the world, Tuchel shifted Rice from midfield to right-back midway through the first half. The change came after first-choice right-back Reece James was deemed unfit to start, and his deputy Tino Livramento had withdrawn injured before the tournament. Trevoh Chalobah replaced Livramento in the squad, while Jarell Quansah covered for James in the final group match against Panama. However, when James also picked up an injury, Djed Spence—originally added as left-back cover—found himself at right-back against DR Congo. Spence struggled, wandering out of position for the opening goal before being substituted.
Tuchel's gamble paid off: Rice delivered a solid performance at right-back, sparking suggestions he could start there against Mexico. According to Amos Murphy, the switch would be an even bigger risk than the DR Congo move, particularly due to the altitude in Mexico City, but it may be necessary given Spence's unsuitability for Tuchel's system. Clips of Tuchel berating Spence went viral after the match, raising questions about why he was played there at all.
Risk and Reward for England's World Cup Hopes
Starting Rice at right-back would shift the selection problem to midfield, where Tuchel has a ready-made deputy in Kobbie Mainoo. Mainoo's introduction transformed England's fortunes at Euro 2024, and his inclusion could solve Tuchel's biggest headache in North America. However, risking James for the round-of-16 tie could be more damaging to England's long-term World Cup ambitions, as matches will only increase in difficulty if they progress to the quarter-finals.
According to Murphy, the Mexico test at the Azteca is the biggest of Tuchel's era, but the England boss may view the gamble as worthwhile. 'There’s no doubting it would be a risk, but when has anything worthwhile ever been achieved the easy way?' Murphy wrote.
