Merson: Rice impressive at right-back for 15 minutes, but would struggle against Mexico

Paul Merson is concerned that if Tuchel temporarily plays Rice at full-back in England's FIFA World Cup Round of 16 match against Mexico, Rice could easily be targeted and exposed by the opposition.

In an interview, Rice said: "Those 12 minutes at right-back were probably the toughest part of the whole game. The tempo of attacking and defending in this type of game is incredibly fast, back and forth, and their wingers are very quick, so we had to stabilize our defense. We didn't really need to be in such a difficult situation. I've played in this position two or three times this season and I understand the responsibilities, but it's not my strong suit. However, as long as the team and the coach need me, I'm willing to give everything. With 12 minutes left, I told myself to give it my all, and I think I did pretty well. We'll see what happens in the next game, but hopefully I won't have to play right-back again."

Merson was impressed by Rice's temporary performance at right-back, but he believes that if Reece James cannot recover in time, Rice will likely continue in that position. The Sky Sports commentator, who played in the 1998 FIFA World Cup, is concerned that Mexico, who primarily attack with one-on-one wing play, will make it very difficult for Rice to defend at the Azteca Stadium on Monday.

Merson said: "He played very well for about fifteen minutes at right-back, and he, Eze, and Saka created some great triangular plays on the right flank multiple times. But my concern is that Mexico is good at one-on-one duels on the wings, and Rice would be at a great disadvantage in that situation. Of course, he will do his best to complete the task. Rice has excellent professionalism and top-tier ability, but I'm really not optimistic. Should we continue to use Jed Spence? He's quick, and although his defense had some flaws yesterday, full-back is his natural position. Another option is to drop Bellingham deeper, pair him with Jordan Henderson, and then let Morgan Rogers or Eze play as the attacking midfielder. We're talking hypothetically now, complaining about not bringing certain players, but no one could have predicted the series of injuries. The hidden danger in the right-back position could very well cost Tuchel."

When asked about his preferred midfield pairing against Mexico, Merson offered his opinion: "I lean towards Bellingham playing a deeper organizational role. Tuchel might play Rice at right-back, which would allow Henderson and Anderson in midfield, and Bellingham could push forward from a deeper position, making him difficult for opponents to mark. Against Mexico, I'd rather use Morgan Rogers instead of Eze, as Mexico will actively push forward to attack. If the opponent retreats completely, Eze's delicate dribbling and flair would be more effective."

Unsurprisingly, Merson named Kane as the best player in the match against Congo, with the world-class striker scoring 13 goals in 15 FIFA World Cup appearances.

"The performance was top-notch, absolutely world-class. His finish for the second goal was absolutely stunning. If Messi or Mbappé had scored it, everyone would be raving about it; the execution of that shot was flawless. To be honest, the first goal had a bit of luck involved. The opposing goalkeeper could have easily dealt with it; he made a mistake in his diving action and failed to push the ball aside, he should have safely caught it. But Harry Kane always steps up in crucial moments, nothing more to say."

When asked if Kane had a chance to win this year's Ballon d'Or, Merson replied: "There are still many variables. For top strikers like Messi and Mbappé, if either of them wins the FIFA World Cup again, their tournament goal tally will be significantly higher. If Kane leads his team to win the FIFA World Cup and continues to score consistently, he will have a strong case for the Ballon d'Or. Everything is still unknown at the moment, but he is definitely a hot contender. His performance this season has been incredible, scoring in a variety of ways: left foot, right foot, header, long-range shot, poacher's goal in the box, deflected shot – he can do it all. In my opinion, he is the complete center-forward."

Merson acknowledges that England has the strength to compete for the World Cup, but he is very concerned about the team's upcoming match against Mexico at the Azteca Stadium, which is 7,000 feet above sea level.

"We have the strength to win the championship, but my biggest concern is the next game against Mexico at their high-altitude home ground. This game will be extremely difficult. In terms of individual player strength, no Mexican player would make it into the England squad, but with the support of their home fans and the advantage of the high-altitude venue, they will play with immense fighting spirit, and the outcome of this match is unpredictable. It's 50/50, and I can't guarantee that England will win. In any other stadium in the world, I would back us to win, but Mexico's home ground is truly dangerous."

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