Declan Rice to continue in midfield vs Mexico despite shining at right-back against Congo | OneFootball

Declan Rice is expected to return to his familiar midfield role when England face Mexico in the World Cup last 16, according to the Daily Mail.

Despite an impressive emergency display at right-back during the dramatic comeback win over DR Congo, he will not continue in that position.

The Arsenal star was shifted into defence by Thomas Tuchel with England trailing 1-0 in the closing stages on Wednesday.

He helped turn the contest around as the Three Lions fought back to claim a 2-1 victory.

Rice looked composed in possession, drove England forward from deep and earned widespread praise for adapting seamlessly to an unfamiliar position.

His performance sparked calls for Tuchel to solve England’s ongoing right-back issues by keeping Rice in defence.

However, reports indicate the England boss has no intention of making that switch permanent.

Instead, Tuchel views Rice as too influential in central midfield to sacrifice elsewhere, particularly with England entering the knockout stages.

The 27-year-old has been managing hamstring and back complaints throughout the tournament and was rested against Panama in the group phase.

Still, there is growing confidence he will be fit to start at the Estadio Azteca.

England’s selection dilemma remains centred on right-back, where injuries continue to cause concern.

Chelsea defender Reece James is still racing against time to recover from the hamstring injury that has sidelined him since the Ghana victory.

Meanwhile, Liverpool’s Jarell Quansah is also battling to overcome a twisted ankle.

James reportedly missed full training again on Friday and remains the biggest doubt ahead of Sunday’s clash.

The defender has insisted he feels positive about his recovery, but Tuchel is reluctant to take unnecessary risks with one of his key players.

Quansah is believed to be slightly closer to returning but had also not been cleared to train fully before England travelled to Mexico City.

Should neither defender prove their fitness, Djed Spence is expected to retain his place despite an underwhelming display against Congo.