Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher has delivered a scathing assessment of Thomas Tuchel’s England selections, branding the manager’s right-back choices “not right” and demanding that Ezri Konsa be handed a starting role. The former Liverpool defender used his platform to dissect the Three Lions’ persistent problems in defence and on the flanks as the World Cup campaign heats up.
Carragher’s verdict on Tuchel’s tinkering
Speaking on Sky Sports, Carragher did not hold back when analysing England’s recent performances. With Tuchel deploying midfielder Declan Rice in an unfamiliar right-back position, the experiment has drawn widespread criticism. Carragher argued that the move has disrupted the team’s balance and left them vulnerable against stronger opponents.
“It’s not been right. You can’t keep shifting players into roles they aren’t comfortable with at this level. For me, Ezri Konsa should start at right-back over Declan Rice. He’s a natural defender, he reads the game well and he’ll give you the solidity you need in knockout football.”
The pundit’s comments echo a growing frustration among England supporters who have witnessed the side struggle to find consistency, particularly on the right side of defence. Tuchel’s tactical tweaks, while innovative, appear to have backfired, leaving the team exposed on the counter-attack and lacking width in attack.
The Rice dilemma
Declan Rice has been a mainstay in England’s midfield, but his temporary switch to right-back has raised eyebrows. While the Arsenal man possesses the athleticism and passing range to adapt, his defensive instincts are not those of a specialist full-back. Carragher highlighted a specific weakness: Rice’s tendency to drift centrally, which drags England out of shape and creates space for opposition wingers.
“When you play a midfielder at full-back, you lose that natural overlap and the understanding of when to go and when to stay,” Carragher added. “It’s not a knock on Rice – he’s a top player in his position – but this isn’t his position. Konsa plays there for his club, he knows the role inside out.”
Ezri Konsa, meanwhile, has been a model of consistency at club level. His ability to play both centre-back and right-back makes him an ideal candidate to solve England’s puzzle, yet Tuchel has overlooked him for the unfamiliar option of Rice.
Wing woes compound selection headache
Carragher also pointed to issues on the wings, where England’s wide forwards have failed to click. The lack of a genuine right-winger has forced Tuchel into further improvisation, often crowding central areas and leaving the full-backs isolated. With Bukayo Saka sometimes deployed deeper or inverted, the right-back—whoever it is—must provide the width. The pundit believes Konsa’s discipline and crossing ability would offer a more reliable outlet than Rice’s makeshift efforts.
Key Takeaways
- Jamie Carragher has strongly criticised Thomas Tuchel’s decision to play Declan Rice at right-back, calling it “not right”.
- Carragher insists Ezri Konsa should start at right-back, citing his natural defensive qualities and positional familiarity.
- England’s struggles on the right flank have been compounded by tactical experiments that are unravelling under scrutiny.
- The pundit warns that continued tinkering could cost England dearly as the World Cup progresses.
Quick Facts
Player in focus: Ezri Konsa
Current dilemma: Thomas Tuchel using Declan Rice as right-back
Carragher’s stance: “It’s not been right” – criticises Tuchel’s back line choices
Solution proposed: Start Konsa over Rice for defensive solidity
