England narrowly escaped potential embarrassment in their recent World Cup match, but lingering tactical questions persist for manager Thomas Tuchel. The team's defensive structure and midfield solidity were exposed, leading to concerns about their readiness for tougher opponents.
Former England captain Alan Shearer noted significant gaps in the back four during the match, highlighting missed defensive opportunities. He suggested that deploying Declan Rice at right-back was a successful improvisation that contributed to a goal, but questioned whether Rice's primary value lies in midfield. "Rice, however, surely offers too much in midfield, so right-back must be a non-starter," one analysis stated. "If he did actually end up there again it would be an admission by Tuchel that he got his squad horribly wrong."
Micah Richards, another former England defender, echoed this sentiment, arguing against moving Rice from his central midfield position. "If you're going into the Mexico game, which is going to be at altitude, you need his energy in midfield," Richards commented. He proposed alternative defensive pairings, suggesting Ezri Konsa at right-back with John Stones alongside Marc Guehi for better team balance. Stones' experience was deemed valuable, particularly after Konsa and Guehi were noted to have struggled during an opponent's goal.
Wayne Rooney, a former captain, expressed significant concerns about the team's vulnerability when losing possession. "Against a better team, I think we're in big trouble if we don't sort that out. We're so open in midfield," he stated. The combined issues of defensive gaps and constant changes on the flanks leave Tuchel with unresolved questions about his first-choice lineup as England prepares to face Mexico in their next World Cup tie.