Rio Ferdinand has advised Thomas Tuchel to drop either Declan Rice or Elliot Anderson from England's starting lineup for their decisive World Cup group match against Panama. Speaking on his podcast Rio Ferdinand Presents, the former England defender argued that the midfield duo's similar skill sets hinder the team's ability to control games and execute quick transitions.
England's World Cup Situation
England must beat Panama on Saturday night to secure top spot in Group L after a disappointing 0-0 draw with Ghana. The Three Lions opened the tournament with a 4-2 victory over Croatia but struggled to break down a stubborn Ghana defence. Tuchel made two changes for the Ghana game and further rotation is expected, with right-back Reece James likely missing out through injury.
Ferdinand's Midfield Analysis
Ferdinand criticized the Rice-Anderson partnership, saying: "If we play Anderson and Rice in midfield, we’re not a team that can control a game or do quick transitions through the pitch because I don’t think that’s their best assets. They’re great at retrieving the ball and stopping. But being able to get the ball off the back line and transfer it through the team, precisely through the lines, into the more dangerous areas of the final third, those players, that’s not their first call and their best attributes as players."
The former Manchester United defender called for Kobbie Mainoo to start, highlighting the 21-year-old's ability to beat the press and progress play. Mainoo, who impressed under Michael Carrick at Old Trafford in the second half of the season, has yet to play a minute at the World Cup. Ferdinand noted: "I thought, especially in the group stages, Kobbie Mainoo was one of the players who could come in and do that because his ability to beat the press first and then play or dribble through the press is better than Declan and Anderson because that’s part of his game."
Dropping a £221m Duo
Rice and Anderson represent a combined transfer value of £221 million, with Anderson recently completing a record £116 million move to Manchester City. Ferdinand admitted uncertainty over who should be benched: "Before a ball was kicked, I would have played Rice as the holder, and I’d have played Kobbie Mainoo alongside him and the one to be able to transfer the ball." He added: "You got to look at past tournaments as well. Kobbie Mainoo’s best football that he’s played in his whole career was at Euro 2024 on the international scene. He was our best player then. He was getting likened to Clarence Seedorf, one of the best players of a generation."
Alternative with Bellingham
Another option is moving Jude Bellingham into a deeper midfield role, allowing an attacking midfielder like Morgan Rogers to start. Ferdinand supports this: "All through his career, he’s played in various different midfield positions. He’s a Swiss Army knife. He can do any of those jobs. If you want him to hold, if you want him to be an eight, if you want him to be a 10, he can do all of them. And I think he can do all of them equally as good."
England face Panama in New York New Jersey on Saturday, with kick-off at 10pm UK time. Victory ensures they top Group L, while a draw would suffice if Ghana do not beat Croatia.
