Rice and Anderson, England's Midfield Duo Heading to the World Cup

RIGA, MONDAY — The England national team needs just one more victory to qualify for the 2026 World Cup. They approach the quadrennial event without any worries, as they have secured the best partnership in the midfield position. Specifically, they have found a companion for Declan Rice.

England will automatically qualify for the World Cup finals if they win against the host Latvia in the group stage qualifying match at Daugava Stadium, Riga, on Wednesday (15/10/2025) at 01:45 WIB. Serbia's defeat to Albania has cleared the path for Thomas Tuchel's team in Group K.

"The Three Lions," as they are nicknamed, are at the top of the standings with 15 points from five matches. Their closest competitor is Albania (11 points), which has already played six matches. With a total of eight matches in the group stage, England only needs three additional points to secure the status of group champion.

The World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico is just around the corner for England. Regardless of their qualification, there is something more important. Less than a year before the World Cup, Tuchel is beginning to find a complete picture of the squad. Particularly in the midfield with the duo of midfielders Rice and Elliot Anderson.

The coach really liked our play in the last three games. He's sticking with that combination.

In the last three tournaments, there is a commonality in the England squad. They have consistently relied on Rice in the midfield. However, the partner of the Arsenal midfielder has always been different. Starting from Kalvin Phillips (Euro 2020), Jordan Henderson (World Cup 2022), to Kobbie Mainoo (Euro 2024).

The search continues for the next event. Phillips and Mainoo were not called up by Tuchel due to their limited playing time at the highest level. Henderson, 35 years old, is doubtful as a starter because he has already passed his prime. Tuchel's dilemma is still felt until mid-year.

Tuchel even attempted to field Atletico Madrid midfielder, Conor Gallagher, in a friendly match against Senegal in June 2025. However, the result was anticlimactic as England lost 1-3. Who would have thought that the answer would come from Anderson, who was just given his debut during the international break last month.

"The coach really likes our performance in the last three matches. He continues to maintain that combination," said Rice about the partnership with Anderson. "I can move forward more (to support the attack) thanks to him. We are building a good collaboration and relationship in the midfield," he continued.

Since his debut against Andorra last September, Anderson has been deployed from the start in three consecutive matches. Tuchel is reluctant to rest him. He has consistently partnered with Rice as a pivot in the 4-2-3-1 formation. This includes the most recent match, where England won 3-0 against Wales in a friendly last Friday.

The Nottingham Forest midfielder has consistently delivered impressive performances. In his first two matches during the World Cup qualifiers, Anderson was named the best player of the match. He has been able to bridge the attack, manage the threats from the opponent's transitions, and most importantly, complement the more offensive role of Rice.

On paper, Anderson is tasked with being a more defensive holding midfielder. He maintains balance in the midfield during possession, not advancing when Rice explores the opponent's final third. Meanwhile, Rice plays the role of an "8" midfielder who often pushes forward to support the attack.

Anderson stated that it is not a problem to play more defensively as long as it maximizes the team's best potential. "He (Rice) is very good in the 'number 8' role. He can score goals and provide assists that can help the team when playing higher up. We hope to continue this momentum," he said.

Interestingly, the duo can switch roles instantly when needed. Anderson more often plays the role of "number 8" at his club, so he does not struggle when it comes to advancing to support the attack. Meanwhile, Rice has been given the freedom to play his role by manager Mikel Arteta at Arsenal this season.

It is evident that Anderson was repeatedly involved in creating opportunities for England in the match against Wales. He provided two key passes for his teammates, one of which resulted in a significant chance. The 22-year-old midfielder has successfully won the admiration of Tuchel.

Together with the duo of Anderson and Rice, England recorded three consecutive convincing victories. They scored a total of ten goals and have yet to concede. One of the matches was against Serbia, which is considered a strong contender at the European level. England won 5-0.

As a result, the match against Latvia could further solidify the partnership between Anderson and Rice for the World Cup. The only one who could potentially take Anderson's position is Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton. Wharton is currently rising in prominence in the English League, but he has not yet caught Tuchel's attention again after withdrawing due to injury during the previous international break. (AP/REUTERS)