Rice is back – England's midfield "steadying anchor" returns

England has a piece of good news – Declan Rice is back.

Rice missed the game against Panama due to injury. The result? Although England won 2-0, their defense allowed Panama to take as many as 13 shots. In the match against Ghana, with Rice on the pitch, England conceded only 2 shots the entire game. 13 vs 2 – Rice's presence made a world of difference for England's defense.

Rice's sweeping role in front of the defense is irreplaceable. His return allows England to regain absolute control of the midfield. Congo's attack relies on quick counterattacks and Wissa's individual breakthroughs. With Rice intercepting in midfield, Congo's counters are cut off before they even reach the box.

There's another benefit to Rice's return – unleashing Jude Bellingham. In the match against Panama, Bellingham played deeper; although he still contributed 1 goal and 1 assist, his attacking talent was suppressed. After Rice returns, Bellingham can move into a more advanced position, roaming freely behind Harry Kane.

Rice's return + Bellingham's liberation = a qualitative change in England's attack. No matter how solid Congo's bus-parking defense is, it will be difficult for them to hold out the full 90 minutes against a fully equipped England midfield.

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