Tuchel: Barry's Rice idea saved England
Anthony Barry’s bold move to play Declan Rice at right-back unlocked a dramatic World Cup win.
Thomas Tuchel has disclosed that Anthony Barry’s unconventional decision to deploy Declan Rice at right-back served as the catalyst for England’s dramatic World Cup comeback victory against DR Congo. Trailing 1-0 and facing a stagnant attack, the coaching staff pivoted sharply. Barry identified a tactical vulnerability on the flank, prompting Tuchel to shift Rice from his customary midfield anchor role to the right side of defense.
This adjustment wasn't merely defensive; it provided the structural integrity England lacked while offering a new outlet for progression. Rice immediately imposed his physicality and defensive acumen in an unfamiliar position, shutting down Congolese counter-attacks. More importantly, his delivery from wide areas created sustained pressure.
The move allowed England to bypass the midfield press, directly feeding forwards. Harry Kane capitalized on this renewed service, leading the charge as the team overturned the deficit to secure a vital three points in the 2026 tournament. The substitution and positional switch also impacted other personnel.
With Rice occupying the right-back slot, the dynamic shifted for attackers like Eberechi Eze and the defensive shape around Djed Spence. It demonstrated a willingness to abandon the original game plan mid-match rather than persisting with a failing system. The flexibility shown by the squad allowed Tuchel to execute Barry’s vision without disrupting the team's overall cohesion.
Tuchel openly credited his assistant for the ingenuity behind the switch. He emphasized that while the manager takes the heat, the tactical spark often comes from the staff room. The admission highlights the collaborative nature of the England setup, where specific player attributes—like Rice’s ball-playing ability and engine—are prioritized over rigid positional dogma.
What's next: This victory provides momentum, but the tactical fluidity is the real takeaway for future matches. England’s ability to reconfigure roles mid-game suggests a deeper adaptability that will be crucial against tougher opponents. As the group stage progresses, expect Tuchel and Barry to continue utilizing this multi-functional approach to squad management. Read at FourFourTwo
Why this matters
Rice’s positional switch highlights England’s tactical flexibility under Tuchel and Barry, proving depth in squad roles can turn games even in unorthodox ways. This victory proves that rigid adherence to formation is a relic of the past. By moving a world-class holding midfielder to full-back, England maximized their utility players and solved a tactical puzzle in real-time. It signals to future opponents that England has multiple ways to win, even when the initial game plan falters.
Frequently asked
- Why did Declan Rice play right-back?
- Assistant manager Anthony Barry proposed the move to fix England's defensive shape and provide better crossing opportunities during their comeback against DR Congo.
- How did the switch affect the game?
- Rice's defensive work stopped counter-attacks, while his crossing supported Harry Kane. The shift helped England overturn a 1-0 deficit into a victory.
- Who else was involved in the tactical change?
- Thomas Tuchel implemented the idea, but he specifically credited Anthony Barry as the brain behind the tactical tweak that moved Rice out of midfield.
- Was this a planned substitution?
- It was a reactive tactical adjustment made during the match when England was losing, designed to unlock the attack and stabilize the right flank.
Source
- 'Anthony Barry had a brilliant idea' - Thomas Tuchel explains Declan Rice tactical switch during England vs DR Congo
FourFourTwofourfourtwo.comBy Kedar Bayley Jul 1, 11:20 PMen
