Neville criticises Tuchel's right-back solution
Gary Neville has claimed that Thomas Tuchel copied the 'wrong Mikel Arteta decision' by deploying Declan Rice at right-back for England during their World Cup win over DR Congo. The former Manchester United defender admitted he was 'crying out' for the change in the second half of Wednesday's 2-1 victory but warned the makeshift solution will cost England later in the tournament.
Rice, primarily a midfielder for Arsenal, was shifted to the right side of defence in the closing stages after Reece James missed both group-stage matches with a hamstring injury. James did not participate in full training on Friday, and Jarell Quansah is also doubtful with an ankle problem, leaving Tuchel with a selection headache ahead of the last-16 clash against Mexico, scheduled for 1am on Monday morning.
Neville's warning: 'It will cost us'
Speaking to ITV, Neville said: 'He [Rice] went to right-back for Arsenal in a game at West Ham I watched a few months ago and I thought it was the wrong decision by Mikel Arteta at the time but I was actually crying out for it in the second half to put him there.' He added that England's defence lacks cohesion as a unit, calling the vulnerability 'very concerning'.
Neville drew parallels to his own tournament experience: 'It's not the first time, I can think of three or four tournaments I went to where the full-back position in general was disrespected. In 2006 I think I got injured in the first game against Paraguay then Jamie Carragher went there, then David Beckham ended up going there, so it's something similar, it's a position you think you can fudge and get away with. It's actually costing England in games right now and it's a problem defensively and a problem going forward.'
He criticised Tuchel's handling of the right-back position, noting that England have used five different right-backs in four matches: 'We knew before we got there that we had two injury prone right-backs, [Tino] Livramento goes out then he brings [Trevoh] Chalobah in… bring a right-back in. We've played four matches and so far we've played five right-backs, which tells you he's [Tuchel] all over the place in that position. At some point it will cost us.'
Rice admits right-back is not his strength
After the DR Congo match, Rice acknowledged he would not relish starting at right-back against Mexico. 'I have played there two or three times this season, I know the role, it is probably not my biggest strength, but to do anything for the team and the manager,' Rice said. 'Twelve minutes left I said I would do my best and I think I did well there. Let's see what happens next game, but hopefully I don't have to be at right-back.'
England's defensive issues come as they prepare for a knockout tie against Mexico, with Tuchel under pressure to find a stable solution at right-back. Neville's comments highlight a recurring problem that could undermine England's World Cup campaign.
