Thomas Tuchel didn't hedge. Declan Rice, he said, is "one of the very best midfielders in the world" — and after watching him control games for Arsenal and England alike, it's hard to argue the point.
Rice earns his 75th England cap against Ghana on Tuesday in Boston, and his manager went out of his way to underline just how much of the team's identity runs through him. "You see a humble, humble footballer, humble, ready to be a team player, ready every day to give energy into the good quality into the group, and just ready to learn and learn every day," Tuchel said. "His career makes him one of the very best at the moment."
That kind of public endorsement from a manager of Tuchel's stature means something. Rice's odds as a key tournament player — and captain-in-waiting if Harry Kane's influence fades — only look stronger for it.
Saka back, but no guarantee of a start
The bigger news for England's squad depth: Bukayo Saka is fit. After his Achilles injury cast serious doubt over his involvement in the tournament, Tuchel confirmed the Arsenal winger is pain-free and available to play against Ghana. Whether he starts is a different question entirely.
"Bukayo is getting better and better, feels no more pain and he is ready to go — without telling you if he starts or comes from the bench," Tuchel said. Noni Madueke is pushing hard for that right-wing berth, and Tuchel pointedly noted the competition is real. "It's another big thing on the right wing between Noni Madueke and Bukayo Saka."
A fully fit Saka changes England's ceiling significantly. His directness and ability to draw fouls in dangerous areas gives them an attacking dimension no one else in the squad replicates. Anyone looking at England's tournament odds should factor in that he's back in contention rather than managing an injury from the sidelines.
Tuchel walks back his hydration break stance
There was also a notable U-turn from the England boss on hydration breaks. Having previously called them essential given the heat conditions, Tuchel came out against them after England visibly lost their rhythm during the Croatia match following a stoppage.
"I think it interrupts and changes the identity of the football match much more than I thought," he admitted. "It breaks the match almost in four quarters. I like football more when it's played in one go." He acknowledged the fairness argument for keeping them — but it's clear the competitive instinct in him would rather not have the interruptions.
England vs Croatia ended with momentum stalling at a crucial point. Tuchel knows it, and he's now saying so publicly.
