After England fought back to beat DR Congo 2-1, Tuchel's FIFA World Cup squad selection came under renewed scrutiny, with pundit Jamie O'Hara suggesting that leaving Alexander-Arnold out would rank among the worst selection mistakes in FIFA World Cup history.

After Eze replaced Djed Spence, Declan Rice shifted from midfield to right-back. This positional change had previously been suggested by talkSPORT pundit Tony Cascarino during England's right-back injury crisis. Once deployed there, Rice formed an highly effective partnership on the right flank with fellow substitute and Arsenal teammate Bukayo Saka.

However, according to talkSPORT pundit Jamie O'Hara, England's attacking play down the right was blunt while Spence was on the pitch, exposing what he views as a major selection error by Tuchel. He strongly criticized the decision to omit Alexander-Arnold from the squad.

"How can we not take Alexander-Arnold?"

"Spence isn't a good crosser—it's simply not his game. He has excellent athleticism and solid defending, but crossing is definitely not his strength.

The only period in the entire match when we played with real fluidity was when Rice moved to right-back and Saka operated as a right-winger, enabling them to link up effectively.

When Saka was cut off from the byline, he could pass back to Rice, who would then whip in a cross.

How can we not take Alexander-Arnold? This would simply be one of the worst squad selection mistakes in FIFA World Cup history."

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