Declan Rice will be a subject of discussion before England’s next game. (Image: Getty)
Declan Rice is one of England’s most important players. No one is questioning it. But after two World Cup performances fell short of his usual high standards, Thomas Tuchel has a big decision to make. The goalless draw between England and Ghana exposed growing problems at the heart of the Three Lions’ midfield. Rice is often a driving force for Arsenal, but has struggled to replicate the form of a player who dominates Premier League matches week in and week out.
The 26-year-old started against Croatia and Ghana, but failed to impress against either side. He was sent off in the 72nd minute against Croatia. England found themselves in a disappointing stalemate against Ghana, struggling to make an impact on the game. Well, Panama is waiting.
England are almost certain to advance to the knockout stages, but they still have a place at the top of their group. Tuchel is expected to shuffle his squad, with Rice expected to be one of the players given some breathing room.
There are several obvious reasons.
Rice is walking a disciplinary tightrope after receiving yellow cards in both group games. Another caution against Panama would mean he would be suspended for the last-32 match against England, but it is a completely unnecessary risk given the circumstances.
It just makes no sense to gamble with one of England’s key men.
Notably, Rice has already admitted he has been dealing with a hamstring issue dating back to Christmas.
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The Arsenal midfielder revealed earlier this week that he had been playing with nerve pain behind the scenes for months. After the match against Ghana, he was seen with a serious injury to his left calf.
The warning signs are there.
England need Rice to be fit and active for the second half of the tournament, rather than running at Air Force in games that may ultimately mean little.
But the bigger concern is tactical.
England’s midfield balance is not working.
Declan Rice was given greater responsibility in possession. (Image: Getty)
Jude Bellingham makes a dangerous run into the penalty area. Elliott Anderson keeps the ball moving. But Rice found herself carrying an unfamiliar creative burden.
That’s not his natural play.
At Arsenal, Rice benefits from playing alongside creative operators who can unlock defenses and share responsibility in possession. Under Tuchel, he is being asked to do even more of the heavy lifting.
result? England’s midfield looked disjointed and predictable.
Tuchel may be forced to experiment in the future.
Kobi Mainu offers qualities that rice does not have. The Manchester United star is more progressive on the ball and more capable of creating gaps from deep.
The midfield trio of Mainu, Anderson and Bellingham could provide a valuable answer against Panama.
And if England suddenly show sharpness without Rice, Tuchel could face his biggest selection dilemma of the World Cup.
That would be unpleasant for Rice.
However, the German coach was called in to make a difficult decision.
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