Declan Rice is all but certain to take his place in the engine room for England's opening World Cup bout against Mexico, according to information gath...
Declan Rice is all but certain to take his place in the engine room for England's opening World Cup bout against Mexico, according to information gathered by GoalZaza. That niggling injury problem which has cast a shadow over his preparation has not, it seems, proven serious enough to keep him on the sidelines. For Gareth Southgate, that is a relief of considerable proportions.Let us be brutally honest here. Without Rice patrolling that space in front of the back four, England's entire structure wobbles. He is the metronome, the man who reads transitional danger before it even materialises. When you face a Mexico side that thrives on breaking quickly and exploiting half spaces, having a player of Rice's tactical intelligence in the holding role is not a luxury. It is a necessity. Can you imagine the alternative Jordan Henderson shuffling across, doing a job but lacking that specific blend of physical reach and positional discipline It would be a different, far more vulnerable England.Southgate has built his tournament strategy around a solid low block and rapid transitions. That system works only when the pivot is assured. Rice provides that assurance with his reading of the game and his ability to cut out passes before they become threats. His absence would have forced a reshuffle that could have unravelled weeks of preparation. The fact he is likely to start suggests the medical staff have managed his workload smartly, keeping him wrapped in cotton wool until the real business begins.There is, of course, the lingering question of whether the issue will restrict his mobility. A half fit Rice is still better than most alternatives, but against a vibrant Mexican press, he will need to be sharp. Squeaky bum time comes early for England if he cannot get through the first twenty minutes unscathed. Yet, based on the reports reaching GoalZaza, the expectation inside the camp is that he will be firing on all cylinders.What this means for the tactical setup is straightforward. England can stick to their plan. Phillips or Bellingham can operate with the freedom to push forward, knowing the safety net is intact. Mexico will look to isolate Rice, to draw him out of position. That is where the battle will be won or lost. If he holds his ground, England's path to victory becomes far more straightforward. If not, well, we all know what happens when the midfield anchor slips.For now, the news is positive. Rice is ready. And England, for all their attacking riches, know that the rhythm of their World Cup campaign starts with the man who does the dirty work.
