According to reports in the English media, Rice will not play at right-back for England in Sunday's match against Mexico.

Despite previous calls for Tuchel to deploy the Arsenal midfielder in this tricky position in the Round of 16, Tuchel has no intention of moving him back.

Rice was indeed moved to right-back in Wednesday's match against DR Congo. With England 1-0 down in the 71st minute, they eventually came back to win 2-1, and vice-captain Rice performed well in the role, despite being affected by hamstring pain towards the end.

However, English media understand that Tuchel has not seriously considered playing Rice as a makeshift right-back, and he believes Rice can play in midfield at the Estadio Azteca.

If Reece James and Quansah fail their fitness tests, Spence is likely to continue starting at right-back.

Rice has been dealing with long-standing hamstring and back problems during the FIFA World Cup and was rested for the final group-stage match against Panama.

Tuchel believes the 27-year-old midfielder is irreplaceable and has no intention of using him to address problems in other positions.

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