Jamie Carragher has declared that Thomas Tuchel cannot afford to leave Declan Rice out of England's starting line-up for their FIFA World Cup 2026 group-stage clash with Ghana, even as concerns persist over the midfielder's physical condition. At the same time, the Sky Sports pundit urged caution over the deployment of Bukayo Saka, who continues to manage an Achilles problem.

Rice too important to sit out

Rice was withdrawn in the 72nd minute of England's opening win over Croatia in Dallas, with Tuchel citing the move as precautionary after Rice reported discomfort in his lower back and upper hamstring area. Rice himself later told ITV Sport that he has been playing through neural pain in his hamstring since Christmas.

The Arsenal midfielder has featured in 63 matches across the 2025/26 season — more than any other player in the England squad — but Carragher insists his value to the team makes him impossible to drop.