Thomas Tuchel faces new problems at right-back (Image: Getty)
Thomas Tuchel is reeling from fresh injury concerns ahead of tonight’s World Cup Round of 16 clash between England and Mexico at the iconic Azteca Stadium. According to Sky Sports, Jed Spence is unlikely to start at right-back for the Three Lions as he continues to recover from an injury, with fresh doubts over his fitness. England have had multiple problems in their position since Tino Libramento was forced to leave the squad ahead of the tournament.
Jarrell Quansah and Reece James have also been hit by injuries since England’s World Cup campaign began last month. And now Spence joins them with a question that could see Declan Rice start out of position or Quansah, re-used at right-back, selected. No matter who starts, his opponent will be Mexican left winger Julián Quinones, who has scored three goals, and will be key to the co-hosts’ hopes of victory.
Tuchel did not address the Spence issue in yesterday’s pre-match press conference, making it clear that Rice is healthy and James could return to the bench. Tottenham full-back Spence trained with his teammates beforehand.
“Ries may be on the bench tomorrow, we’ll see,” his German head coach told talkSPORT. “But everyone else is completely available.”
He added: “Jarrell has been training and is fully available. Reese could be on the bench, but we need a final evaluation and medical opinion from a doctor.”
If Rice starts at right-back, Jordan Henderson or Koby Mainu could slot into midfield. Alternatively, Rice could remain Elliott Anderson’s partner in the engine room if Quansah returns to the starting lineup in place of Spence.
Tuchel’s side picked most of the positions themselves tonight, with number one Jordan Pickford guaranteed to start in goal, with Nico O’Reilly, Ezri Konsa, Marc Guehi, Anderson, Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane among the surefire starters.
Other dilemmas awaiting Tuchel’s line-up are on the left wing, where Anthony Gordon hopes to replace Marcus Rashford, and on the right wing, where Noni Madueke could lose his starting spot to Bukayo Saka.
And the England manager is enjoying an exciting match in Mexico City as his side aim to reach the quarter-finals, where they will face either five-time champions Brazil or Norway in Atlanta next Saturday.
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Jed Spence doubtful to start for England vs. Mexico (Image: Getty)
He said: “It’s even better than I expected. I was immediately captivated. I arrived here and saw the excitement and emotion. The dedication of the people to the World Cup.”
“We immediately felt that tomorrow this would be a match worthy of the World Cup. We have known that for a long time. We are in an iconic place, an iconic stadium. A big final against Mexico at the Azteca Stadium. This is an iconic match, a big stage and we feel it.”
“We know the situation. We talked about it. We will deal with what needs to be dealt with and we need a strong performance and I think we can deliver that.”
Mexico has won all four games in the World Cup so far, without conceding a goal. El Tri has also lost only two official games at the Azteca since the stadium opened in 1966.
Tuchel added: “We know everything about the Mexican team. They are currently in the top 10 in the world rankings. They have performed well in recent matches, not only because they are in the World Cup, but especially since they played against Belgium and Portugal in March. They are a top-tier country.
“I think we are ready. We saw the strengths. We will try to exploit the weaknesses as always, but we are full of respect, but at the same time we believe in ourselves. In every moment of every game, we need to play the best version of what we have shown so far, both offensively and defensively. Tomorrow we will come together to give the best performance that is necessary to achieve our goal of defeating Mexico.”
