Former England midfielder Scott Parker has strongly backed Declan Rice to remain a key part of Thomas Tuchel’s starting lineup, insisting the Arsenal star is indispensable to England’s hopes of winning the World Cup
Rice was left out of England’s final group-stage match against Panama, a decision influenced by fitness concerns and suspension risks. The midfielder has reportedly been managing a back problem for several months and was also one booking away from a ban after receiving a yellow card during England’s draw with Ghana.
His absence has sparked debate over whether England need both Rice and Elliot Anderson in midfield for Wednesday’s Round of 32 clash against DR Congo. With the Three Lions expected to dominate possession and play on the front foot, some observers believe Anderson could operate alone as the holding midfielder.
Among those who have questioned Rice’s automatic inclusion is former Manchester United midfielder Paul Scholes, who suggested England could leave the Arsenal man on the bench and rely on Anderson in the defensive midfield role.
Parker, however, has firmly rejected that idea and believes Rice remains one of the most important players in Tuchel’s squad.
“Four words come to mind when I think about England’s chances of winning the World Cup: we need Declan Rice,” Parker told The Telegraph.
“There has been some discussion since England’s victory over Panama regarding whether Declan should have additional recovery time, possibly missing the last-32 match against DR Congo.
“The concern for his wellbeing, given he is managing a hamstring issue, is understandable. But Declan is pivotal.”
The former Fulham and England midfielder described Rice as one of the foundations of Tuchel’s team and a player capable of influencing games in multiple ways.
“If England are going to go deep in this tournament, he is one of Thomas Tuchel’s foundation pillars – a manager’s dream. Whatever you ask him to do, he will do it,” Parker said.
“He is a ‘builder’ when he plays as a No. 6, in that he gets attacks moving. He can play the No. 8 role as well as anyone and has arrived at this tournament on the back of a season in which he was one of the Premier League’s Players of the Year.”
Rice enjoyed an outstanding campaign with Arsenal, helping the Gunners secure the Premier League title and reach the UEFA Champions League final. His performances established him as one of the most influential midfielders in English football.
Parker also highlighted the physical and technical qualities that make Rice so valuable to both club and country.
“He is a physical specimen with great strength and his ability to run with the ball is underappreciated. I don’t know Declan personally, but I have managed against him enough times to know what he brings,” he said.
“As I’m writing, I’m thinking back to the goal he scored for Arsenal against Burnley last season when it felt like he was unstoppable. He just powered straight through.”
Beyond his presence in open play, Parker believes Rice’s delivery from set-pieces gives England an additional weapon.
“The other asset you lose by not having him in the team is world-class delivery. How often do you see him fail to beat the first man from a set-piece? Never.
“It’s not by luck that he keeps putting the ball into the right places and it has already worked to England’s advantage in America.”
Parker also praised Rice’s journey to the top of the game, pointing to the resilience he showed after being released by Chelsea during his youth career.
“The key to England’s midfield is Rice,” Parker added.
“I love his story because he was not a standout as a boy and he had the courage to overcome being released by Chelsea to become one of the top men in his position in the game.
“Players like him are hard to come by. That is why England need Declan Rice.”
Tuchel is aiming to guide England to their first World Cup triumph since 1966 after succeeding Gareth Southgate as national team manager. The German coach has enjoyed a positive start to the tournament, but tougher challenges await as the knockout stages begin.
England face DR Congo in the Round of 32, with a place in the next round at stake. Should they progress, Tuchel’s side will meet either Ecuador or co-hosts Mexico in the battle for a quarter-final spot.
As England prepare for the decisive phase of their World Cup campaign, the debate over Rice’s role continues. For Parker, however, the answer is straightforward — if England want to go all the way, their midfield leader must be on the pitch.
