Paul Merson has expressed concern that Declan Rice could be left vulnerable in one-vs-one situations if England manager Thomas Tuchel deploys him as a makeshift right-back in the World Cup last-16 tie against Mexico. The Arsenal midfielder filled in at full-back during the latter stages of England's dramatic 2-1 comeback victory over DR Congo on Wednesday, a match that saw Tuchel forced into changes due to injuries to Tino Livramento and Reece James.
Rice's right-back cameo against DR Congo
With Djed Spence struggling defensively, particularly for Brian Cipenga's seventh-minute opener when he was caught out of position, Tuchel introduced Eberechi Eze in the second half and shifted Rice to right-back. Rice admitted the role was taxing, telling the BBC: 'It was probably the hardest 12 minutes of the game having a stint at right-back. ... Hopefully I don't have to be at right back.' Despite his exhaustion, Rice's performance drew praise from Merson, who described it as 'outstanding' for the 15-minute spell.
Merson's tactical concerns
Speaking on Sky Sports, Merson highlighted the potential risk of playing Rice out of position against Mexico, especially at the Azteca Stadium. 'My problem is that when you've got a game like Mexico where they're isolated and it will be one-vs-ones... he'll do a job, of course he will, but I don't know,' Merson said. He questioned whether Tuchel should instead persist with Spence, a natural full-back, or drop Jude Bellingham deeper to accommodate a different midfield setup.
Merson added: 'Do you go with Djed Spence again? He has got pace. I know he struggled a bit yesterday but he is a full-back, that is his position. Otherwise, you drop Jude Bellingham back, play Jordan Henderson, then you obviously play Morgan Rogers or Eze in the hole.' He warned that the right-back situation 'could come back to bite Tuchel.'
Kane's heroics and Ballon d'Or chances
Merson reserved special praise for Harry Kane, whose two goals secured the win against DR Congo. The England captain's second strike was described as 'phenomenal, absolutely phenomenal' by Merson, who compared it to something Lionel Messi or Kylian Mbappe might score. Kane's World Cup tally now stands at 13 goals in 15 appearances. Merson believes Kane is in the Ballon d'Or conversation if England win the tournament, saying: 'If Harry Kane goes and wins the World Cup and keeps on scoring then he'll go and win the Ballon d'Or.'
Altitude concerns at the Azteca
Beyond the right-back dilemma, Merson highlighted the challenge of playing at the Azteca, which sits 7,000 feet above sea level. 'My biggest worry is this next game in Mexico in the altitude. It's such a difficult game,' he said. 'Talent-wise, I don't think Mexico have got a player who could get in the England team, but when you're playing the way they're playing with the fans and in the stadium, with that altitude, I think this is a difficult, difficult game.' He described the match as 'heads or tails' and admitted he 'wouldn't be shocked if we didn't win.'
