Tuchel's toughest test yet? The national team manager is facing a midfield crisis after Declan Rice's alarming signs of fatigue. Just 72 minutes into their World Cup opener against Croatia, England's lynchpin was hauled off with a lower back and upper hamstring issue – a rare sight for the midfielder who has been an ironclad presence in the side.
Rice, no stranger to exhaustive schedules, has somehow mustered an astonishing 360 appearances since the start of the 2020-21 season. His workload is nothing short of phenomenal: deep European runs with West Ham, consistent England squad involvement, and crucial contributions to Arsenal's Premier League and Champions League campaigns – all while being hailed as a "freak of nature" by former West Ham teammate Aaron Cresswell for his endurance.
The 27-year-old's uncharacteristic subduing in the opening match raised eyebrows. His performance was disjointed, leaving excessive space between him and Elliot Anderson in the first half. He was even pulled out of position by Luka Modric, forcing Tuchel to act swiftly with a rare substitution.
England's reliance on Rice is palpable, and his absence has left them struggling over the past six years. Finding a direct replacement proves tricky; Kobbie Mainoo lacks the physical presence and set-piece prowess of their vice-captain, while Jordan Henderson, at 36, may not suit Tuchel's high-tempo approach.
But there is hope. The introduction of Djed Spence allowed Reece James to transition from right-back into a midfield role, a position he has excelled in for Chelsea under Enzo Maresca's guidance. His tackling ability and passing range have been a highlight, particularly in victories against Paris Saint-Germain and Barcelona.
Tuchel is now weighing up the options, acknowledging James's versatility and potential in midfield. With his physical presence and footballing intelligence, the Chelsea captain could be the answer if Rice's minutes need to be carefully managed throughout the tournament. England will undoubtedly tread carefully as they prepare for their next Group Stage fixture, balancing Rice's influence with the imperative of protecting his long-term fitness.