Soccer
World Cup forward calls for different option to solve England's right-back issue
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step into the knockout rounds at the 2026 World Cup with some frustrating problems in their backline.
Thomas Tuchel's men are preparing to face DR Congo in Atlanta, but will have to do it without two of the right-backs already used in the tournament so far.
Reece James has been struck down with a hamstring injury and, having missed the win over Panama, is once again sidelined for the last 32 tie. And now, his replacement last time out, Jarell Quansah, has also been ruled out after he suffered an ankle issue during the game in New York.
Thomas Tuchel's men are preparing to face DR Congo in Atlanta, but will have to do it without two of the right-backs already used in the tournament so far.
Reece James has been struck down with a hamstring injury and, having missed the win over Panama, is once again sidelined for the last 32 tie. And now, his replacement last time out, Jarell Quansah, has also been ruled out after he suffered an ankle issue during the game in New York.
England to learn lessons from Germany and Netherlands
Watch: Thomas Tuchel wary of becoming another World Cup shock story
With both players absent, Tuchel must now decide between Djed Spence or moving Ezri Konsa to right-back.
However, former striker Tony Cascarino has come up with another option for the England boss. The big forward, who appeared for the Republic of Ireland at the 1990 finals, has suggested that one of England's key men could be used in what has become the side's problem area.
"I would consider starting Declan Rice at right back," he exclusively told DAZN News on behalf of Tonybet.
"In the knockout stages, you need a full-back who is quick, physical and can shut down opposition wingers – that can be Declan. Declan is very versatile – he can play No6 or No8 in midfield and can play centre-back or right-back.
"He reminds me of Roy Keane in that way. The very best midfielders – think of Steven Gerrard with Liverpool or Lothar Matthaus with Bayern Munich – they are outstanding players wherever you put them on the field.
"And then you can start Elliot Anderson and Kobbie Mainoo in midfield."
(C)Getty Images
Moving Rice into that spot would be a bold move from Tuchel, but he hasn't been averse to making big calls already this tournament.
Another are he'll need to decide on his attacking options. Bukayo Saka is expected to be fit to start, so will the German stick to the same wingers that began the game against Panama? Cascarino thinks so.
Adding, "There’s more to come from the forward line. Anthony Gordon has lost his place to Marcus Rashford, and I think Thomas Tuchel will stick with Rashford now.
"Gordon is too one-dimensional. Rashford blows hot and cold, but he can cause defences problems.
"Now that Bukayo Saka has regained his fitness, he’ll start ahead of Noni Madueke. Saka is a better player than Madueke, and so if you add Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham to the mix, England will be better in the final third."
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