'Tuchel's right back picks were bang on – anyone whinging for Trent is a delusional dweeb'
Thomas Tuchel's selection of right backs for the World Cup has drawn significant criticism, with many supporters questioning his choices of Reece James, Tino Livramento, Ben White and Jarrel Quansah. However, observers have pointed out that all four players suffered injuries within a month, describing it as "rotten luck" rather than managerial negligence.
The debate has centred on the absence of Trent Alexander-Arnold, with one commentator stating that Tuchel was justified in his decisions. They noted that Alexander-Arnold completed just 10 full 90-minute games for Real Madrid this season "thanks to a toxic combination of injury problems and defending like a blind matador." The criticism extends beyond statistics, highlighting concerns about his defensive approach.
England's recent World Cup performance has further vindicated Tuchel's tactical decisions. In their round of 32 clash against DR Congo, England fell behind after Brian Cipenga's surprise goal in the seventh minute. However, a bold tactical adjustment proved decisive. Assistant coach Anthony Barry suggested moving Declan Rice to right-back, a change that transformed England's attacking play.
Tuchel praised the switch, noting that Rice's position "improved the quality of deliveries from wide areas and strengthened the team's right flank." Harry Kane scored twice to complete England's comeback and secure their progression to the next round. Rice himself acknowledged the challenge of the unexpected shift, describing it as "probably the hardest 12 minutes of the game" but expressing willingness to assist the team when needed.
The tactical flexibility demonstrated during the DR Congo match appears to have validated Tuchel's approach to squad selection and his team's adaptability under pressure. Following the victory, England prepare for their round of 16 fixture against Mexico in Mexico City on July 6, though concerns remain about potential injury to Rice's hamstring.