Midfield selection debate for England
Paul Scholes has put forward his view on England’s midfield selection for their upcoming World Cup knockout stage match against DR Congo. The former player believes that manager Thomas Tuchel should opt for Elliot Anderson over Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice for the fixture.
England has secured their spot in the knockout rounds and is scheduled to play DR Congo in the round of 32 on Wednesday evening. Tuchel faces decisions regarding his starting lineup, particularly in central midfield, following Jude Bellingham‘s performance alongside Anderson in the match against Panama.
Rice was rested for the Panama game due to carrying a knock and also because he was at risk of suspension after receiving a yellow card against Ghana. Despite this, he is widely anticipated to return to the team for the DR Congo encounter.
Reasons for Anderson’s inclusion
Scholes argued that Anderson should start ahead of Rice for several reasons. He stated that England would not require two sitting midfielders against DR Congo. He also suggested that Anderson tends to pass the ball forward more frequently. Furthermore, Scholes commented that Rice’s approach to play with Arsenal might have carried over to his performances for England.
Speaking on The Good, The Bad & The Football podcast, Scholes elaborated, “England don’t need to play two sitting midfielders in the next game. No disrespect to Congo but in those type of games you play as many attackers as possible.” He added, “I think it has to be a straight shootout between Declan Rice and Elliot Anderson, and I think I would just go with Anderson.”
Scholes further explained his preference, stating, “I think he will pass it forward a bit more. Think about Rice with Arsenal… look, he’s a great player and a great leader, I get all that, and you’d rather him in your team than not most of the time.” He then questioned Arsenal’s football last season, suggesting, “Rice couldn’t get [Martin] Odegaard in the game, so maybe that’s transferred a bit to England. I don’t think that happens with Anderson.”
England’s group stage performance saw them top Group L with seven points from a possible nine. They began with a 4-2 victory over Croatia in their World Cup opener. However, their subsequent group games were described as less impressive, including a draw against Ghana and a 2-0 win over Panama where they took over an hour to break the deadlock.
Scholes also shared his general assessment of England’s performances in the tournament so far. He remarked, “It wasn’t great, was it? Across the three games I don’t think I’ve seen a team that will win the World Cup.” While acknowledging that the team could improve and has match winners, he concluded, “I just don’t think they’re at the level of France or Argentina yet.”
Alternative midfield views
Nicky Butt, Scholes’ podcast co-host and former teammate, also believes Tuchel should select only one sitting midfielder. However, Butt’s preference differs, as he would choose Rice over Anderson. Butt highlighted Anderson’s quality, noting that he is a “top, top, top player” and is set to join Manchester City.
Butt stated, “You can’t play two sitting midfielders against teams who aren’t going to have any of the possession.” He continued, “I’d definitely play Declan Rice in the next game so I would leave Elliot Anderson out.” Butt emphasized Rice’s importance, saying, “I just don’t think you can leave Declan Rice out. He’s one of those players you just don’t leave out.”
Anderson, described as a Nottingham Forest star, is reportedly moving to Manchester City in a deal. DR Congo, England’s next opponent, finished third in Group K after securing a victory against Uzbekistan, drawing with Portugal, and experiencing a loss to Colombia.
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Source: football365.com
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Joel Kavanagh is a Sports News Writer at News-GB. He started on a Midlands sports desk. He focuses on rugby union, golf and boxing and is known for clear, deadline-driven reporting. He holds a degree in Journalism from De Montfort University and completed an NCTJ diploma. Now based in Leicester, he plays amateur rugby and follows the fight calendar. “In sport news, the first ten minutes decide everything.”