Jamie Carragher has warned England manager Thomas Tuchel that he shouldn't make a potentially detrimental selection change as the Three Lions take on Ghana at the World Cup
23:23, 22 Jun 2026
Jamie Carragher speaks at the Sport Industry Awards in April 2026.
Jamie Carragher speaks at the Sport Industry Awards in April 2026.(Image: Simon Ackerman/Getty Images)
Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher has dismissed any suggestions that England could rest Declan Rice against Ghana on Tuesday, with the Arsenal midfielder managing a fitness issue.
Rice was taken off as England won 4-2 against Croatia in its first match of the World Cup in Arlington, Texas. However, the 27-year-old is expected to be fine to play tomorrow in Foxborough, Massachusetts.
With the Three Lions already sitting on three points and with a game against the group's weakest team, Panama, to come, there is a school of thought that Kobbie Mainoo or Jordan Henderson could come into the starting XI in Rice's place.
However, Carragher says that Thomas Tuchel should not do that, instead sticking with his best team and taking no chances as he looks to secure qualification to the knockout phase.
"You don't rest anyone at the World Cup," Carragher said on Sky Sports.
"If England can win the next game, maybe you would look to do that in that third game, but I don't think you're in a situation where you're resting Declan Rice.
Thomas Tuchel during an England press conference.
Thomas Tuchel during an England press conference.(Image: Bradley Collyer / POOL / AFP via Getty Images)
"I'm not quite sure what the injury was. I've seen an interview with Declan a day or so ago when he said he was absolutely fine.
"I think it was more precautionary than too much of an injury, really.
"It seems to me like he's fine and it's something he has been carrying for a lot of the season, and listen, he's been one of the best players in the league.
"He would have been PFA Player of the Year for me if I was still a player and picking that role. So it hasn't affected him too much playing for Arsenal.
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"It was the right decision to take him off and make sure he is 100 per cent fit for this game. But if needs be, maybe get this game won and out of the way and then rest him against Panama."
England will take on Ghana on Tuesday, June 23. The game against Panama is scheduled for Saturday, June 27, and will be held in New Jersey.
Liverpool.com says: Rice or no Rice, England will beat Ghana. It will probably beat Panama even more comfortably too. The real tests will come in the knockout phase, when the Arsenal man will be essential.