Declan Rice will not start at right back for England in their upcoming last-16 World Cup clash against Mexico, manager Thomas Tuchel has confirmed.
Calls for Rice to fill the problem right-back position emerged after he was moved to the role during England's 2-1 victory over DR Congo on Wednesday. The midfielder, who has been managing hamstring and back issues during the tournament, impressed in the defensive position after entering the game in the 71st minute when England were trailing 1-0. However, the team secured a comeback win by full-time.
Despite his performance against DR Congo and confidence in his fitness for the match at Azteca Stadium, Tuchel is reportedly not giving serious consideration to deploying Rice in defense. Sources indicate that Djed Spence is the likely starter at right back, contingent on the fitness of Reece James and Jarell Quansah.
Tuchel views Rice's contributions as a midfielder as too integral to the team's strategy to utilize him elsewhere on the pitch. Rice was rested for England's final group game against Panama as he managed existing physical concerns.