Thomas Tuchel has credited assistant manager Anthony Barry with the tactical decision to deploy Declan Rice at right-back during England's World Cup round of 32 victory over DR Congo. The switch came after Djed Spence struggled to contain Brian Cipenga, who scored the opening goal.
Barry's tactical brainwave
Speaking to ITV Sport after the match, Tuchel revealed that Barry proposed moving Rice to right-back during the second half. 'I think Anthony Barry had a brilliant idea in the end when we were discussing it, to put Declan there,' Tuchel said.
The decision followed injuries to Reece James and Jarrell Quansah, which left England short of options. Spence started but was withdrawn for Eberechi Eze after Harry Kane equalised, with Rice shifting to right-back.
Rice's role explained
Tuchel explained the reasoning behind the move: 'To have his quality from the side to maybe get more difficult crosses in there and it makes it more difficult to defend and maybe more crosses in there. The out-swingers and have a bit more support for Bukayo [Saka], we had a bit more connection and help on the right hand side that opened it up. So, full credit to my assistant coach.'
Rice, who has occasionally played right-back for Arsenal, admitted he found the stint challenging. 'It was probably the hardest 12 minutes of the game, that stint at right-back,' 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 for 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 don't know, let's just see what happens next game, but hopefully I don't have to be at right back.'
Match-winning goal
The decisive goal came from Kane with four minutes of normal time remaining, securing a 2-1 win. The victory sent England through to face co-hosts Mexico at the Azteca Stadium in the early hours of Monday morning.
