Declan Rice trudges back for the restart after Croatia's second equaliser against England. The England mainstay is flagging after six years of nonstop action, leaving Thomas Tuchel with a midfield conundrum. Finding a solution to his absence is no easy task.
A Relentless Schedule Takes Its Toll
Aaron Cresswell, Rice's former West Ham teammate, describes him as a "freak of nature." Cresswell marvels at Rice's ability to keep going, noting he could play six or seven games a week. Since the start of the 2020-21 season, Rice has played 360 matches. The schedule has been relentless for the England midfielder. He was vital for West Ham during their deep European runs in 2022 and 2023, a mainstay for Gareth Southgate's England, and no less influential for Arsenal's Premier League and Champions League campaigns since joining them three years ago.
Worrying Signs Against Croatia
Rice looked weary during his 63rd appearance of the 2025-26 season in England's chaotic 4-2 win over Croatia in their World Cup opener. The 27-year-old was not himself. The midfield shape was wrong, with too much space between Rice and Elliot Anderson in a worrying first half. Rice dropped too deep and was pulled out of position by Luka Modric. Tuchel may iron out those tactical wrinkles before England face Ghana, but concern arose when Rice was substituted in the 72nd minute with England leading 3-2. Given his ball-winning ability, it is almost unheard of for Rice to go off in that situation. The fear is that the vice-captain is running out of steam when needed most.
Tuchel's Cautious Approach
Tuchel said Rice felt discomfort in his lower back and upper hamstring, describing the substitution as precautionary. Rice quickly stated he would be available against Ghana, but England must tread carefully. The midfield malfunctioned with Rice not at 100%. Tuchel diplomatically noted "unusual ball losses" from Rice. England rarely look good without him and lack a like-for-like replacement. Kobbie Mainoo is wonderful on the ball but young, lacking Rice's physique and set-piece deliveries. Jordan Henderson, at 36, was not called upon against Croatia. There are no obvious answers for Tuchel.
Reece James: A Potential Solution
When Rice went off, Tuchel moved Jude Bellingham back, but that almost led to a Croatia equaliser. The experiment lasted eight minutes. Then, Djed Spence replaced Bellingham, allowing Reece James to step into midfield—a role he has performed with distinction for Chelsea over the past 18 months. James played there on loan at Wigan in 2018-19 and was redeployed by Enzo Maresca at Chelsea. After initial doubts, Maresca was rewarded when Chelsea beat Paris Saint-Germain in last year's Club World Cup final. Tuchel, initially sceptical, now understands the thinking. James is a physical presence, intelligent, can tackle, and has a good passing range. He excelled alongside Moises Caicedo in a 3-0 win over Barcelona last November and dominated Rice when Arsenal visited Stamford Bridge.
Fitness Concerns and Alternatives
Tuchel has prized versatility in his squad. If James moves into midfield, Spence, Ezri Konsa, and Jarell Quansah can slot in at right-back. Another option is using Konsa as a third centre-back with John Stones and Marc Guehi, freeing Nico O'Reilly to surge from left-back. However, James has a long history of hamstring injuries, the most recent in March causing a two-month absence. He cannot start every game or take on all the midfield load if Rice struggles. Fitness concerns nagged Tuchel as the World Cup approached. Rice joined the pre-tournament camp late after playing in the Champions League final and keeps pushing himself. If England reach the final without resting Rice, he will have made 70 appearances this season. Tuchel must have alternative plans.
