It is a measure of how seriously Gareth Southgate is taking this World Cup knockout phase that Declan Rice is expected to be thrust straight back into...
It is a measure of how seriously Gareth Southgate is taking this World Cup knockout phase that Declan Rice is expected to be thrust straight back into the starting eleven for Wednesday's last 32 tie against DR Congo. The West Ham midfield anchor has been nursing a minor knock, but GoalZaza understands the medical team have given him the green light to operate in what promises to be a gritty, transitional battle against a Leopards side that loves to spring forward on the counter.For England, this is exactly the kind of fixture that separates the contenders from the pretenders. DR Congo may not carry the glamour of a European heavyweight, but they possess raw pace in wide areas and a physicality in the middle of the park that has caught out more refined teams in this tournament. Southgate will need Rice's disciplined screening of the back four to prevent those dangerous breaks before they materialise. Without him, the engine room can look exposed; with him, there is a shield that allows the creators further up the pitch to express themselves without the constant worry of being turned over.What interests me most here is the tactical flexibility Southgate now has with Rice fully fit. You can play him as a lone pivot, or you can partner him with someone like Jude Bellingham in a double pivot that offers both security and forward thrust. Against a side that will likely sit in a mid block and look to spring traps, Rice's ability to receive the ball under pressure and recycle possession quickly becomes vital. He does not always grab the headlines with spectacular goals, but his reading of the game is exceptional. Watch how often he snuffs out danger before it even becomes a chance.The emotional narrative is also worth chewing over. This is the business end of the tournament now, the squeaky bum time where reputations are made or shattered. Rice has matured into a leader on the pitch, someone who organises those around him and sets the tone with his intensity. A performance here, a clean sheet and a solid 90 minutes, would do wonders for the collective belief in the camp. Can DR Congo exploit any rustiness after his spell on the sidelines That is the question Southgate will be quietly asking himself right now.For England fans, seeing Rice name on the teamsheet will bring a deep sigh of relief. He is the metronome, the quiet enforcer, the man who makes the system tick. If he can impose his rhythm on Wednesday, this tie should be navigated with a level of control that sets up a tantalising run deeper into the knockout stages. The stage is set. Now it is down to Rice to deliver.
