Paul Scholes has sparked debate around England's midfield ahead of their World Cup last-32 clash with DR Congo, suggesting Thomas Tuchel should consider leaving Declan Rice out of the starting line-up.
Rice missed England's 2-0 win over Panama due to a combination of a fitness issue and a yellow card from their previous match against Ghana.
However, with England needing control and experience in a high-stakes game, Rice is expected to return, especially with the team's reliance on him for stability in midfield.
Scholes believes Tuchel should adopt a more attacking approach and has suggested Elliot Anderson as a potential replacement for Rice, arguing that England do not need two deeper midfielders against DR Congo.
The former Manchester United midfielder thinks Anderson would bring more forward passing and creativity to the team, citing his impressive performance alongside Jude Bellingham against Panama.
Despite being one of England's most trusted players for years, Scholes questions whether Rice's role is still essential for the team, citing his struggles to get Martin Odegaard involved in games at Arsenal last season.
While dropping Rice could be a bold move, it's a decision that may not pay off in a high-pressure World Cup knockout game, where balance, leadership, and defensive security are crucial.
Tuchel could still address the issue by adjusting the midfield roles rather than dropping Rice entirely, ensuring England maintains the balance they need to succeed in the tournament.
The team's need for creativity is clear, but removing one of their most reliable players may create a bigger problem than it solves.
