Former England defender Micah Richards disagreed with keeping Rice at right-back, especially for the high-altitude match in Mexico.
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"No, I wouldn't. I feel he can give too much in that central midfield area.
If you're going into the Mexico game, which is going to be at altitude, you need his energy in midfield," Richards said.
Richards suggested an alternative defensive lineup: "I would go with Ezri Konsa at right-back, and put John Stones alongside Marc Guehi.
That is a better balance for the team."
Former England captain Wayne Rooney expressed concerns about the team's defensive structure when losing possession. "For me, there are big concerns.
In particular, when England lose the ball they are so open," he said.
Rooney warned that the midfield openness could be costly against stronger opponents. "Against a better team, I think we're in big trouble if we don't sort that out.
We're so open in midfield," he said.
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Other round-of-16 matches include France vs Paraguay on Saturday, Spain vs either Portugal or Croatia on Monday, and the United States vs Belgium on Tuesday.
