Former England goalkeeper David James has proposed that Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice could be the solution to England's right-back problem in the World Cup, following an injury to Reece James. In his exclusive column for Metro, James analysed Thomas Tuchel's options ahead of today's last-32 showdown with DR Congo.
Jude Bellingham's freshness key
James highlighted Jude Bellingham's outstanding performance against Panama, attributing his form to reduced fixture congestion. "Having him not play in the latter stages of the Champions League with Real Madrid, I think we are benefitting from a player who did not have to be as hugely competitive late on in the season. He looks fresher than he has done in any other tournament. He looks hungry and he is creating so many opportunities," James wrote. Bellingham scored an instinctive finish, showcasing his quality.
Wingers' struggles and learning curve
James noted that England's wingers, Bukayo Saka and Marcus Rashford, were too eager in one-on-one situations against Panama. "In the first-half, I thought the wingers attacking constantly in one vs one situations was detrimental to England. Bukayo Saka started and it wasn’t quite working. It was the same with Marcus Rashford," he said. However, he found reassurance in their confidence: "But it is reassuring that they are confident enough to try and take these situations on." He added that the team learns after each game, citing Elliot Anderson's ball-carrying habits.
Declan Rice at right-back?
With Reece James ruled out, James suggested Rice could fill in, having played there for Arsenal. "Declan Rice did play at right-back for Arsenal a couple of times last season – for me, it’s shades of Dominik Szoboszlai at right-back for Liverpool. If it were to be an option you would still have Elliot Anderson and Bellingham in midfield and I think if your squad is strong enough like ours is, you could facilitate that," he explained. James stressed that England's squad depth allows such flexibility.
Defensive mindset shift
James observed a change in England's mentality: "I’ve made the point since the beginning, I don’t think this is an England side that is afraid to concede a goal. Because they believe they will score more. Even against Mexico, Argentina, Ecuador, Spain, whoever it may be should we progress, the need for a clean sheet is less important than the need to score multiple goals." He believes this confidence will help if the defence isn't first-choice.
Ivan Toney could feature against DR Congo
Looking ahead to the DR Congo match, James noted the opposition's Premier League familiarity but emphasised England's pace advantage. "But one area England are far superior in is pace. There will be large periods of the game where England are in possession and Congo are in their defensive unit but little things like that threat of pace that England have over them will scare them," he wrote. He predicted Ivan Toney might get minutes if the game follows previous patterns. James urged caution: "The idea it will be a walkover is far too optimistic."
