Thomas Tuchel credits Anthony Barry with Declan Rice idea as feelings made clear
England manager Thomas Tuchel has disclosed that it was assistant manager Anthony Barry's brainwave to deploy Declan Rice at right-back during the latter stages of the World Cup round of 32 match against DR Congo.
The position has sparked debate amongst supporters and pundits in recent days, with injuries to Reece James and Jarrell Quansah leaving Tuchel light on options. Djed Spence was given the starting berth but found it difficult to contain the dangerous Brian Cipenga, who netted the opener.
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Moments after equalising through Harry Kane, Spence was withdrawn for Eberechi Eze as England pushed for a winning goal. The substitution saw Rice shifted to right-back, a role he has occasionally undertaken for Arsenal.
Speaking to ITV Sport following the final whistle, Tuchel revealed how it was assistant manager Barry, renowned for his candid half-time evaluations, who proposed the tactical switch.
"I think Anthony Barry had a brilliant idea in the end when we were discussing it, to put Declan there," he said.
When questioned about the decision to move Rice to right-back, he explained: "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."
It appears, however, that an extended spell at right-back is not something Rice would particularly relish. "It was probably the hardest 12 minutes of the game, that stint at right-back", he told BBC Sport.
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"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.'
"And, yeah, 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."
The decisive goal arrived courtesy of Kane with four minutes of normal time remaining. The 2-1 victory secured England's passage through to face co-hosts Mexico at the Azteca Stadium in the early hours of Monday morning.