Wayne Rooney has criticised Thomas Tuchel for not recalling Kyle Walker from international retirement after Tino Livramento was ruled out of the World Cup through injury. The England legend, providing punditry for the BBC, suggested the former Manchester City defender would have been a better option than Trevoh Chalobah.
Defensive Struggles in 2-1 Win Over DR Congo
England laboured to a 2-1 victory over DR Congo on Wednesday evening, with defensive frailties exposed early on. Brian Cipenga gave the African side the lead after just seven minutes, finding himself unmarked at the back post as Djed Spence was drawn to cover Noah Sadiki through the middle. Spence, on loan at Tottenham, endured a difficult evening, struggling to contain Cipenga throughout the game.
Rooney was quick to highlight the issue, saying: "We've seen it before. It's happened before where players come out of retirement. I think the minute Livramento got injured, I think he should have been right on the phone to Kyle Walker. Kyle is still more than good enough and more than capable of playing in this England team. I would have been on the phone to him saying, 'Listen we need you here. Can you come out and help us?' That could really cost us. I'm worried on that."
Harry Kane's Heroics Mask Deeper Concerns
Harry Kane's late double secured the comeback victory, but Rooney remained unconvinced about England's defensive solidity. "We're all delighted England have gone through but there's big concerns. When England lose the ball they are so open. Against a better team... Give DR Congo credit, they caused England some problems, but against a better team I think we're in big trouble if we don't sort that out. We're so open in midfield. The connection isn't great between the backline and the midfield. The full-backs are struggling. [Noni] Madueke struggled. There's no connection and there's big gaps in the middle of the pitch and that's a big worry for me. That's not just in this game, it's in previous games. He really needs to look at that otherwise we'll go out."
Micah Richards Echoes Defensive Doubts
Fellow pundit Micah Richards also expressed concerns over Spence's performance and the lack of depth at right-back. "I think he really struggled today, Spence. I don't want to keep going back to who you haven't got but when you've got the injury to Livramento, it's a problem. [Jarell] Quansah's out, it's a problem. Reece James. Now you're thinking, could Trent [Alexander-Arnold]'s quality have given us something different in this game? Those are the question marks he will be asking himself now. If you want to go with Rice at right-back, then you lose his pace and power in that midfield area. I think there's certainly things England need to look at if they want to go further in this competition."
Declan Rice Admits Right-Back Not His Best
Declan Rice, who filled in at right-back for the final 12 minutes against DR Congo, admitted it is not his preferred role. He told BBC Sport: "I've played there two or three times this season, I know the role. It's obviously not my biggest strength, but to do anything for this team and the manager... He asked me and I said, 'Of course, there's 12 minutes left and I'll give it my best.' And yeah, I've done well there and I dunno - let's just see what happens in the next game, but hopefully I don't have to be at right-back."
England now face Mexico in the round of 16 on Monday, July 6, at the Estadio Azteca, with Rooney warning that defensive issues could prove costly against stronger opposition.
