Thomas Tuchel dealing with big England damage dilemma as resolution comes again to chunk boss
England are set to take on Mexico in the World Cup’s round of 16 at the Estadio Azteca in the early hours of Monday morning, but Thomas Tuchel could face a major issue in terms of squad selection
Thomas Tuchel looks to be without Djed Spence against Mexico(Image: Getty Images)
Thomas Tuchel could be given a selection headache ahead of England’s upcoming clash with Mexico, as a result of Djed Spence carrying an injury.
The Three Lions go head to head with the World Cup co-hosts in the round of 16 at the Estadio Azteca in the early hours of Monday morning, in what is expected to be an incredibly tense encounter, considering Mexico’s passionate support at this summer’s tournament.
And matters could be made worse due to the fact that Spence looks unlikely to feature. It’s been a tough start to the tournament in terms of player fitness for England, with Tino Livramento leaving the camp prematurely to undergo surgery on a minor issue.
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Chelsea’s Trevoh Chalobah was called up in his place, although a proven full-back may have been a better choice from Tuchel, considering the Three Lions look threadbare in terms of depth out wide courtesy of Reece James picking up a hamstring issue, and Lewis Hall and Trent Alexander-Arnold being left at home.
Spence, meanwhile, was forced off the pitch late on during England’s round of 32 clash with DR Congo, with Declan Rice operating as a makeshift full-back in his place.
While he has since returned to training alongside his team-mates, it is understood that Spence may not be fit enough to operate against Mexico.
Given Tuchel has also ruled out starting Rice at right-back, considering how instrumental he is to the heart of midfield, it appears as though Jarell Quansah could instead be utilised.
The Bayer Leverkusen defender missed the game against the DR Congo after limping off against Panama, but like Spence, has since returned to team training.
A win for England will see them progress to the quarter-finals of the 2026 World Cup, where they will meet the winner of Brazil’s match with Norway – slated for 9pm on Sunday evening.
The semi-finals also prove a difficult task to navigate, should the Three Lions make it that far.
That’s because Argentina, Egypt, Switzerland and Colombia all remain in their side of the draw, meaning they will have to take on one of those nations to make the final come July 19.
