Thomas Tuchel praises Anthony Barry's tactical switch for Declan Rice during England vs DR Congo

In a thrilling encounter on Friday, England overcame a tough challenge from DR Congo, ultimately winning 2-1 thanks to a late brace from Harry Kane. The match saw a surprising tactical move by manager Thomas Tuchel, who shifted Declan Rice to right-back, a decision that played a crucial role in the team's comeback.

Tuchel's Tactical Shift: Why Declan Rice?

During the match, which was part of the preparations for the upcoming 2026 World Cup, Tuchel substituted right-back Djed Spence for forward Eberechi Eze in the 70th minute. This change allowed Rice to move from midfield to the full-back position, a switch that surprised many but proved effective.

Tuchel explained the rationale behind the decision in a post-match interview with ITV, stating, "Anthony Barry had a brilliant idea... to put Declan there. To have his quality from the side, get more difficult crosses [to defend] in there. To give more support to Bukayo... a bit more connection." This tactical adjustment came just five minutes before England's turnaround, demonstrating Tuchel's strategic thinking.

Gary Neville's Analysis of Rice's Role

Former England international Gary Neville provided insights on the tactical switch during ITV's post-match analysis. He noted that he had been "crying out for it" during the second half, highlighting the effectiveness of Rice's positioning.

Neville elaborated, saying, "He went to right-back for Arsenal in a game against West Ham a few months ago, and I thought it was the wrong decision from Mikel Arteta. I was actually crying out for it in the second half, to put him [at right-back]... what it did was make that little triangle, combination [thrive]." This endorsement from Neville adds weight to Tuchel's decision and showcases Rice's versatility on the field.

The Impact of Rice's Position Change

Rice's move to right-back not only fortified the defense but also contributed to the attacking play. A tight-angled cross from Rice led to Kane's equalizer, demonstrating how tactical flexibility can yield positive results. The match marked a significant moment for England, as it was the first time they came back from a deficit in a World Cup game since 1966.

In summary, Tuchel's decision to reposition Declan Rice was instrumental in England's victory over DR Congo. The collaboration between Tuchel and Barry highlights the importance of strategic planning in football, particularly as the national team gears up for the World Cup.