Rice Set for England Return as Tuchel Faces Right-Back Selection Headache

England are set to receive a timely boost ahead of their World Cup last-32 clash against DR Congo, with Declan Rice expected to return to Thomas Tuchel’s starting lineup for Wednesday’s knockout encounter in Atlanta.

The Arsenal midfielder missed England’s 2-0 victory over Panama after suffering a heavy blow to his calf during the team’s goalless draw with Ghana last week. Although Rice was unable to complete the full training schedule before the Panama fixture, he returned in time for the squad’s final training session before travelling to New Jersey.

His absence saw Tuchel field a midfield pairing of Elliot Anderson and Jude Bellingham, but the England boss is confident Rice will be fit enough to reclaim his place for the crucial knockout tie.

While Rice’s availability is a welcome development, Tuchel continues to wrestle with injury concerns in defence, particularly at right-back.

Chelsea defender Reece James remains a doubt after picking up a hamstring injury during the Ghana match. Although Tuchel has not ruled him out of the DR Congo fixture, indications are that James is more likely to return later in the tournament.

England are also monitoring Jarell Quansah, who is nursing an ankle injury sustained after deputising for James at right-back against Panama. The defender is set to undergo further assessment over the next 48 hours, but Tuchel has already acknowledged that it will be “very tight” for him to recover in time for Wednesday’s game.

The injuries have created a difficult selection dilemma for England, particularly after Tino Livramento was forced to withdraw from the squad before the tournament began because of a calf problem.

Should James and Quansah fail to prove their fitness, Djed Spence appears the leading candidate to start after replacing Quansah against Panama. Tuchel also has the option of deploying centre-back Ezri Konsa in the unfamiliar right-back role if required.

With a place in the World Cup last 16 at stake, England will hope Rice’s expected return can strengthen the side as Tuchel balances a growing list of defensive concerns ahead of a pivotal knockout test against DR Congo.