Overview
- Tuchel did not start Declan Rice on Saturday, June 27, after the midfielder showed heavy strapping on his left calf following the Ghana game and was being managed for a minor lower‑body knock.
- The manager said Rice and Elliot Anderson had 'minor issues' but had recovered enough to train, and Rice was kept available for second‑half minutes to manage load and his yellow‑card status.
- Tuchel changed his midfield plan by starting Elliot Anderson alongside Jude Bellingham in a more attack‑minded pairing rather than a Rice‑led pivot.
- Reece James was confirmed unavailable and Jarell Quansah took the right‑back spot, illustrating how absences have forced adjustments across the England lineup.
- The conservative selection is aimed at preserving Rice for the knockout phase and securing a favourable Round of 32 path, with England needing a win to strengthen their position at the top of Group L.