Thomas Tuchel has disclosed that assistant manager Anthony Barry proposed the tactical switch that saw Declan Rice deployed at right-back during the closing stages of England's World Cup round of 32 victory against DR Congo. The move, which helped secure a 2-1 win, came after injuries to Reece James and Jarrell Quansah limited Tuchel's defensive options.
Barry's Bold Suggestion
Speaking to ITV Sport after the match, Tuchel credited Barry with the idea. “I think Anthony Barry had a brilliant idea in the end when we were discussing it, to put Declan there,” he said. The assistant manager is known for his frank halftime assessments, and this suggestion proved pivotal.
Djed Spence started at right-back but struggled against DR Congo's Brian Cipenga, who opened the scoring. After Harry Kane equalised, Spence was replaced by Eberechi Eze, prompting Rice's shift to right-back—a role he has occasionally filled for Arsenal.
Rice's Reluctant Acceptance
Rice, however, was less enthusiastic about the positional change. “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.’”
He added, “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.”
Impact on the Game
Tuchel explained the rationale 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.”
The winner came from Kane with four minutes of normal time remaining, securing England's place in the next round against co-hosts Mexico at the Azteca Stadium.
