England's Defensive Concerns Ahead of World Cup Clash with Mexico

England face a fresh headache on the eve of their World Cup last-16 clash with Mexico, with Djed Spence emerging as the latest defensive concern.

The 25-year-old reported a muscular niggle ahead of the knockout tie at the Azteca Stadium, throwing his place – and potentially England’s entire defensive setup – into doubt. Spence started the last-32 win over DR Congo at right-back and brought balance and energy on that flank, but his issue remains unspecified and his involvement on Sunday night (Monday 01:00 BST) is uncertain.

If he fails to make it, Thomas Tuchel will be forced into yet another reshuffle at the back. The England head coach already has one major doubt at right-back: Reece James is still struggling with a hamstring problem and has not been fully cleared. Losing both specialist options in the same position on the eve of a high-altitude knockout tie would be a brutal twist.

There is at least one piece of good news. Jarell Quansah is back in contention after an ankle injury, picked up in the group-stage win over Panama, ruled him out of the DR Congo match. His return gives Tuchel an extra body and a bit more flexibility, whether in a back four or as part of a three-man defence.

Those injuries do more than complicate the teamsheet. They invite a bigger question: does Tuchel rip up the plan and change shape? With natural right-backs potentially sidelined, a switch of formation suddenly feels less like a tactical luxury and more like a necessity at the Azteca, where the margins tend to be unforgiving.