Carragher criticizes Tuchel’s right-back selection ahead of World Cup clash
Jamie Carragher has accused Thomas Tuchel of making a “bizarre” selection decision that has left England vulnerable ahead of their crucial World Cup last-16 match against Mexico, reports BritPanorama.
England secured their place in the knockout stages with a dramatic 2-1 victory over DR Congo, where Harry Kane scored twice late in the game to avert a surprising exit. However, despite advancing, Tuchel’s side is under fire following a series of lackluster performances, with defensive frailties dominating discussions leading into the important fixture at the Azteca Stadium on Monday.
The team’s issues began when first-choice right-back Reece James suffered a hamstring injury in the goalless draw with Ghana. This predicament worsened when Tino Livramento was ruled out due to a calf injury sustained in training prior to the tournament. As a result of Livramento’s pre-deadline injury, Tuchel had the option to bring in another player and chose Chelsea’s Trevoh Chalobah, although many believe he should have brought in a dedicated right-back to fill the gap.
This decision forced Djed Spence to shift to the right side of defence against DR Congo, exposing England early, with their opponents scoring after just seven minutes. Carragher contended that Tuchel’s squad planning has led to an unnecessary selection headache. “This all just goes back to Thomas Tuchel’s decisions around the right-back area. It’s just not been right from day one with the squad that’s been picked,” Carragher told Sky Sports News.
The decision to not select a natural right-back has invited criticism, with suggestions made for Declan Rice to fill that role after he temporarily assumed the position in the previous match. However, Carragher believes this would complicate matters further; “No, I wouldn’t start Declan Rice at right-back,” he stated. “England have a slim chance of progressing in the World Cup, and I don’t think playing Declan Rice as the right-back would solve that.”
Carragher also expressed concern that shifting Rice to defence would leave the midfield vulnerable, remarking, “I think you’d leave yourself so empty in midfield.” He pointed out the struggles of Elliot Anderson in Rice’s absence during the last game, underlining the need for the West Ham midfielder to remain in midfield. “Tuchel has got a decision to make. A lot of criticism directed at Djed Spence following the last match is a bit excessive; no one has really stood out so far except Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham,” he added.
The defensive challenges facing England before their crucial clash echo late tournament preparations where injuries have forced difficult choices, underlining how selection decisions can shape a team’s World Cup journey. As the tension builds, how Tuchel responds could ultimately define England’s campaign in the tournament.
