Carragher defends Declan Rice’s starting position against Ghana despite physical doubts.

Declan Rice cannot be left out of England’s starting eleven against Ghana, insists Jamie Carragher, despite real concerns about his physical condition. The former England international and current sports commentator believes that Thomas Tuchel has no choice but to include the Arsenal midfielder, even knowing that Rice has been struggling with persistent pain since Christmas. With just days to go before a crucial match in the 2026 World Cup, Rice’s potential absence has become one of the major questions of the tournament, with fans and experts wondering about England’s real ability to manage their midfield without their most reliable player.

Declan Rice was substituted in the 72nd minute during the opening victory against Croatia in Dallas, with Thomas Tuchel justifying the change as a precautionary measure after the midfielder felt some discomfort in his lower back and thigh tendon. Although Tuchel assured that Rice would be available to face Ghana, the player himself revealed to ITV Sport that he has been playing with “nerve pain” in his thigh since Christmas, an issue that has persisted throughout a demanding season. With 63 matches played in 2025/26 – more than any other player in the England squad – Rice is seen by Carragher as absolutely essential. “In the World Cup, you don’t manage players. If England wins the next game, maybe then you think about resting someone in the third match, if qualification is already secured. Right now, I don’t believe you can afford to do without Declan Rice at this moment,” Carragher stated in comments to Sky Sports.

The former central defender also added: “It seems to me that the decision to take Rice off against Croatia was more preventive than due to a serious injury. He has been dealing with this issue throughout the season and has been one of the best players in the Premier League, playing for Arsenal without major limitations. It was probably the right decision to take him off to ensure he is at 100% for this game. If necessary, win this game first and then rest against Panama.”

In the opposite vein, Carragher is adamant about the management of Bukayo Saka, who continues to recover from an Achilles tendon injury. The Arsenal winger started on the bench against Croatia, with Noni Madueke taking his place, and was only brought on in the last 20 minutes. Carragher argues that the return of the England international should not be rushed, acknowledging that a prolonged absence could hinder his return to the starting eleven. “The fact that he didn’t start the first game means it’s probably something more serious than Rice’s issue,” Carragher explained, emphasizing: “He missed a lot of games last season. This seems to be more problematic. I don’t think they should take the risk because no one wants to lose Saka for the rest of the tournament. The longer he goes without playing, the harder it will be for him to come back for the knockout games and be at his best. If Madueke continues to play and performs well, it could be complicated for Bukayo to get back into the team.”

Another of Tuchel’s major dilemmas concerns the ideal partner for John Stones in the heart of defence. Stones, who lined up alongside Ezri Konsa against Croatia, showed some lack of rhythm, particularly when he was at fault for the opponent’s goal. Carragher, however, remains confident in the Manchester City defender due to his experience in major competitions, but suggests that Marc Guehi should be his preferred partner. “For me, the first name for the centre of defence would be Marc Guehi,” the former international stated, believing that the Guehi-Stones duo could provide the right balance to stop the Ghanaian attack.

With England leading the group after their victory over Croatia, the clash with Ghana takes on decisive importance to secure early qualification and, who knows, allow for some rotation in the third match. However, the physical management of key players like Rice and Saka promises to continue to dominate the national team’s agenda, in a World Cup where every decision could be the difference between success and failure. The English squad, led by Thomas Tuchel, faces a real test of fire, where the pressure to achieve immediate results clashes with the need to protect their most valuable assets for the knockout stages. The developments of the coming days will be crucial to determine whether the investment in Rice translates into a solid midfield or if the risk of aggravating his injury could jeopardize England’s aspirations to win the most coveted trophy in world football.

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