Carragher Slams Tuchel's 'Bizarre' Right-Back Call as England Face Mexico Crisis

Tuchel's Right-Back Conundrum

Jamie Carragher has launched a stinging critique of England manager Thomas Tuchel's squad selection, claiming the German has created an unnecessary right-back crisis at the FIFA World Cup 2026. With pivotal last-16 clash against Mexico looming on Monday, Tuchel is scrambling for solutions after injuries and underperformance have left the position exposed.

Speaking to Sky Sports News, the former England defender described Tuchel’s decision to draft in Trevoh Chalobah as cover for the injured Tino Livramento as "bizarre". Chalobah, primarily a centre-back, has been thrust into the right-back conversation alongside Reece James and Jarell Quansah, both of whom are major doubts for the Mexico match after picking up knocks.

The uncertainty has forced Tuchel to deploy midfielder Declan Rice in the unfamiliar right-back role during the nervy last-32 victory over DR Congo. Djed Spence started that game but failed to convince, leading to widespread debate over the best solution.

Carragher's Verdict: Keep Rice in Midfield

Carragher was unequivocal in his assessment, insisting Rice must return to his natural midfield position.

"I wouldn't start Declan Rice at right-back. I think England have got a slim chance of going all the way in the World Cup, but I don't think playing Rice at right-back from now to the end of the tournament would be the solution,"

he said.

The Sky Sports pundit warned that moving Rice would leave England vulnerable in central areas.

"I think you'd leave yourself so empty in midfield. I thought Elliot Anderson, in the one game Declan Rice wasn't in there, found it tough dealing with the opposition's counter-attacks – and that was against moderate opposition as well."

Instead, Carragher advocated for a reshuffled backline with Ezri Konsa shifting to right-back, allowing John Stones to partner Marc Guehi in the centre.

"That brings more experience, and he's a top-level performer – it's just that he hasn't had enough football, and we saw that in the first game,"

he added, referring to Stones' limited minutes.

Carragher did not spare Tuchel from blame, arguing the problem stems from the initial squad selection.

"He picked two very injury-prone players at right-back. He brought another right-back in Djed Spence, who can cover at left-back. But to bring Chalobah in when there were injuries in that position, it was a bizarre decision really because he's not a right-back, so you're going to leave yourself short."

Wing Woes Add to Tuchel's Headache

Further forward, Tuchel faces a dilemma on the flanks. Anthony Gordon's impact off the bench against DR Congo – setting up both of Harry Kane's goals – has intensified calls for him to start. Carragher noted Tuchel's tactical preference for out-and-out wingers who hug the touchline, explaining the absence of playmakers like Phil Foden or Cole Palmer from the squad.

"He likes real wingers who look to go on the outside with pace and have connections with the No 10s and the full-backs,"

Carragher said, hinting that Gordon and Bukayo Saka fit that profile better than the underperforming Marcus Rashford and Noni Madueke.

The former Liverpool defender stressed that England's issues run deeper than just the full-back positions, pinpointing defensive fragility in the early stages of the DR Congo match.

"A lot of the problems that arose in the last game were not so much of the back four; it was how easy it was to get at the back four."

Key Takeaways

• Jamie Carragher strongly opposes using Declan Rice at right-back, urging Tuchel to restore him to midfield.
• Carragher labels Tuchel’s call-up of Trevoh Chalobah as a "bizarre decision" that left England short in a specialist role.
• He suggests Ezri Konsa at right-back and John Stones at centre-back as the best solution against Mexico.
• Tactical confusion on the wings is another concern, with Anthony Gordon pushing for a starting berth.
• Carragher believes Tuchel’s squad planning has been flawed from the start, leaving England vulnerable ahead of a crucial knockout tie.