Thomas Tuchel is set to shuffle his pack and will make two changes to his starting line-up for England’s World Cup clash against Ghana.
The Three Lions began their campaign with an emphatic 4-2 win over Croatia and can guarantee their place in the knockout phase with a second successive win this evening.
Speculation had been rife that England would stick with the team that started against Croatia, but Tuchel has opted to make two changes in defence, according to the BBC.
John Stones, one of England’s more experienced campaigners, has been dropped to the bench and has been replaced by his Manchester City teammate Marc Guehi.
Don’t miss a World Cup moment
We’re witnessing history at this World Cup – our daily newsletter helps you make the most of it. Sign up.
Nico O’Reilly, another member of England’s City contingent, also drops out with Djed Spence, who made an impact off the bench a week ago, preferred at left-back.
Declan Rice, meanwhile, continues in central midfield despite his ongoing back and hamstring injuries.
Speaking on Sunday, the Arsenal talisman spoke in glowing terms of Tuchel and the way in which he has handled his own various fitness issues.
‘Yes, I’m ready,’ Rice told ITV, when asked if he was in contention to play against Ghana, ‘I’m fit and raring to go.
‘I think it was a smart decision (to take me off). I was feeling al little bit of neural pain in my hamstring which I was managing after Christmas with Arsenal for a very long time.
‘Obviously, not a lot of people would’ve known, it was all behind the scenes stuff.
‘It was a smart decision. The last 20 minutes is where you probably pick up most injuries.
‘That last 20 minutes is where you really feel your body going through it. The last few days I’ve felt really, really good.’
Bukayo Saka, was forced to settle for a place on the bench butRice was confident his Arsenal teammate would have a major say at some stage with England carefully managing an Achilles issue.
It’s been really good the way we’ve been managing him. The amount of football he’s played, I’ve seen him at Arsenal with this Achilles problem he’s got I think we’re managing him the right way.
‘You don’t want to put him in straight away now and put him at risk.
‘He’s training really well, he came on the other night and had an amazing impact.
‘He’s one of the biggest game players I’ve played with and he wants to play every game but here he’s been smart and we’ve also got Noni who’s been unbelievable in these first few games.’