FIFA World Cup 2026England v Ghana
Declan Rice will be the subject of debate before England's next match. (Image: Getty)
Declan Rice is one of England's most important players. Nobody is questioning that. But after two World Cup displays below his usual high standards, Thomas Tuchel has a serious decision to make. England's goalless draw with Ghana exposed a growing problem at the heart of the Three Lions' midfield. Rice, so often the driving force for Arsenal, has struggled to replicate the form of the player who dominates Premier League matches week after week.
The 26-year-old started against both Croatia and Ghana but failed to stamp his authority on either opponent. Against Croatia, he was taken off after 72 minutes. Against Ghana, he struggled to influence proceedings as England laboured to a disappointing stalemate. Now Panama await.
England are all but through to the knockout stages, but top spot in the group is still on the line. Tuchel is expected to shuffle his pack and Rice should be among those given a breather.
For a few obvious reasons.
Rice is walking a disciplinary tightrope after picking up yellow cards in both group matches. Another booking against Panama would see him suspended for England's last-32 clash — an entirely unnecessary risk given the circumstances.
There is simply no sense in gambling with one of England's key men.
Especially when Rice has already admitted he has been managing a hamstring issue dating back to Christmas.
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The Arsenal midfielder revealed earlier this week that he has been playing through neural pain behind the scenes for months. He was also spotted with heavy strapping on his left calf after the Ghana match.
The warning signs are there.
England need Rice fit and firing for the latter stages of the tournament, not running on empty in a game that may ultimately count for very little.
But the bigger concern is tactical.
England's midfield balance is not working.
England v Ghana - FIFA World Cup Group L
Declan Rice has been given more responsibility in possession. (Image: Getty)
Jude Bellingham is making dangerous runs into the penalty area. Elliot Anderson is keeping the ball moving. Yet Rice has found himself carrying an unfamiliar creative burden.
That is not his natural game.
At Arsenal, Rice benefits from playing alongside inventive operators who can unlock defences and share responsibility in possession. Under Tuchel, he is being asked to do far more of the heavy lifting.
The result? England's midfield has looked disjointed and predictable.
Tuchel may now be forced into an experiment.
Kobbie Mainoo offers qualities Rice simply does not. The Manchester United star is more progressive on the ball and more capable of creating openings from deep positions.
A midfield trio of Mainoo, Anderson and Bellingham against Panama could provide valuable answers.
And if England suddenly look sharper without Rice in the side, Tuchel could find himself facing the biggest selection dilemma of his World Cup campaign.
That would be uncomfortable for Rice.
But the German boss has been brought in to make the tough decisions.
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