Former England full-back Stephen Warnock has urged Thomas Tuchel to drop Declan Rice for the World Cup semi-final against Argentina and start Kobbie Mainoo instead, despite Rice's expected return from illness.
Warnock questions Rice's form
Speaking to betTOM, Warnock expressed concern over Rice's performances so far in the tournament. 'In midfield against Argentina, it will be Elliot Anderson and Jude Bellingham, then I think Thomas Tuchel will go with Declan Rice. However, just given the way Rice has played so far – and I'll get a lot of criticism for this – I think he's got to be a lot more progressive with his passing through the lines.'
Warnock believes Mainoo, who has not made a single appearance at the World Cup, offers a different dynamic. 'I would personally prefer to see Kobbie Mainoo in there. He's a different type of player, who can also play on the edge in a big game. I'd like to see him start, but I think Tuchel will stick with Rice.'
Mainoo one of three unused outfield players
Mainoo is one of only three outfield players yet to feature at the World Cup, alongside Ivan Toney and Trevoh Chalobah. The Manchester United midfielder played in pre-tournament friendlies against New Zealand and Costa Rica but has not been trusted by Tuchel in competitive matches.
Starting Mainoo in a semi-final would be a huge gamble, given his lack of match minutes in the competition.
Rice's illness and substitution explained
Rice started the quarter-final win over Norway but was withdrawn at half-time. After the match, Tuchel revealed the midfielder had been ill for three days before the game. 'Knowing that Declan struggled after the last three days, he was most of the time in bed, I knew he could not survive the 90 minutes,' Tuchel said.
The manager also cited tactical reasons for the substitution, explaining he wanted a more offensive approach after going 1-0 down. 'We made the decision to go more offensive at half-time. It was a bit of an offensive shift. I made the decision at 1-0 down and didn't want to go back on the decision.'
England's path to semi-final
England edged past Norway 2-1 after extra time in the quarter-finals and now face Argentina in Atlanta on Wednesday. Argentina also needed extra time to beat Switzerland 3-1 in their quarter-final. The match is a repeat of the 2022 World Cup final, which Argentina won on penalties.
Tuchel will have to weigh up Rice's fitness and form against the potential of Mainoo as he prepares his starting XI for the biggest game of the tournament so far.
