Thomas Tuchel has shed light on the thought process behind the ingenious tactical switch that saw Declan Rice move into an unfamiliar right-back role during England’s match against DR Congo.

Tuchel’s England side endured a difficult evening against DR Congo, trailing 1-0 for the majority of the encounter and struggling to find rhythm in their play.

However, the Three Lions turned the tide late in the match thanks to a brace from Harry Kane. The England captain headed home in the 75th minute before smashing a powerful right-footed strike into the top corner in the 86th minute to complete the comeback.

Before the turnaround, Tuchel surprised many by repositioning Declan Rice from midfield to right-back – a move that raised eyebrows but ultimately proved decisive.

In the 70th minute, the England manager substituted right-back Djed Spence and brought on forward Eberechi Eze. This change led to Rice dropping into the defensive line, a tactical tweak made just five minutes before England’s resurgence began.

Speaking to ITV after the match, Tuchel explained the reasoning behind the adjustment, saying: “Anthony Barry had a brilliant idea... to put Declan there.”

He went on to elaborate: “To have his quality from the side, get more difficult crosses [to defend] in there. To give more support to Bukayo... a bit more connection.”

Tuchel also praised his coaching staff and players for their response, adding: “Full credit to my assistant coach,” and commending his team’s “commitment” in overturning a deficit during a World Cup match for the first time since 1966.

Former England and Manchester United defender Gary Neville, who was part of the ITV punditry team, analysed the strategic decision after the final whistle. Neville revealed that he had been calling for such a move during the second half when England were chasing the game against DR Congo.

“He went to right-back for Arsenal in a game against West Ham a few months ago, and I thought it was the wrong decision from Mikel Arteta,” Neville noted. “But I was actually crying out for it in the second half, to put him [at right-back]... what it did was make that little triangle, combination [thrive],” he explained.

The tactical shift paid immediate dividends when Rice delivered a sharply angled cross that found Anthony Gordon, who then set up Harry Kane for the equaliser that sparked England’s comeback.