Barry's half-time brainwave moved Rice to right-back as England edged past DR Congo

Thomas Tuchel revealed after England’s 2-1 World Cup round-of-32 victory over DR Congo that it was assistant manager Anthony Barry who suggested moving Declan Rice to right-back for the final 12 minutes — a tactical tweak that helped unlock the winning goal from Harry Kane with four minutes of normal time remaining.

England had been forced into the reshuffle by circumstance. Injuries to Reece James and Jarrell Quansah left Tuchel short of natural options at right-back, and Djed Spence, who started in the role, struggled to contain the lively Brian Cipenga — the DR Congo forward who opened the scoring. Spence was withdrawn just minutes after Kane had drawn England level, with Eberechi Eze introduced as Tuchel pushed for a winner.

Speaking after full-time, Tuchel was quick to share the credit. “I think Anthony Barry had a brilliant idea in the end when we were discussing it, to put Declan there,” he said. The move was designed to bring Rice’s quality into wider areas, with Tuchel explaining the logic: “To have his quality from the side to maybe get more difficult crosses in there… the out-swingers and have a bit more support for Bukayo [Saka], we had a bit more connection and help on the right-hand side that opened it up. Full credit to my assistant coach.”

Rice, who has filled in at right-back for Arsenal on a handful of occasions this season, was candid about the experience. “It was probably the hardest 12 minutes of the game, that stint at right-back,” he told BBC Sport. “I’ve played there two or three times this season. I know the role. It’s obviously not my biggest strength, but to do anything for this team and for the manager — he asked me and I said ‘of course, there’s 12 minutes left and I’ll give it my best.’”

The England captain was measured about whether he would be asked to reprise the role. “I’ve done well there and, I don’t know, let’s just see what happens next game, but hopefully I don’t have to be at right-back.”

Kane’s winner sealed a 2-1 result and sent England through to face co-hosts Mexico at the Azteca Stadium in the early hours of Monday morning.