Tuchel credits assistant Barry for Declan Rice right-back switch that turned England's World Cup qualifier

Thomas Tuchel has credited assistant coach Anthony Barry with the tactical masterstroke that helped England overturn a 1-0 deficit against DR Congo in their 2026 World Cup qualifier, moving Declan Rice from midfield to right-back in the 70th minute.

England had trailed for most of the match before Harry Kane struck twice in the final quarter-hour — a header in the 75th minute and a thunderous right-footed finish into the roof of the net in the 86th — to seal a 2-1 victory. It was the first time the Three Lions had come from behind to win a World Cup game since 1966.

The positional switch was triggered when Tuchel replaced right-back Djed Spence with forward Eberechi Eze, pushing Rice out of his natural central role and into the defensive flank. Speaking after the match, Tuchel was quick to deflect the praise. “Anthony Barry had a brilliant idea… to put Declan there,” he said. “To have his quality from the side, get more difficult crosses in there. To give more support to Bukayo… a bit more connection. Full credit to my assistant coach.”

Tuchel also praised his squad’s “commitment” in staging the comeback, though it was the structural change that unlocked the decisive moment. A tight-angled cross from Rice was met by Anthony Gordon, who laid it back for Kane to head home the equaliser.

ITV pundit and former England international Gary Neville said he had been calling for the move throughout the second half. “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 said. “I was actually crying out for it in the second half… what it did was make that little triangle, combination thrive.”

The result keeps England on track in World Cup qualifying, though the performance will prompt questions about the team’s consistency before the tournament in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.