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

England face a fresh defensive headache on the eve of their World Cup last-16 clash with Mexico after Djed Spence reported a muscular problem.

The 25-year-old, who impressed at right-back in the last-32 win over DR Congo, has complained of a niggle that has thrown his involvement at the Azteca Stadium into doubt. The nature of the Tottenham defender’s issue has not been specified, and England will wait to see whether he can start on Sunday night (Monday 01:00 BST).

It is the last thing Thomas Tuchel needed.

If Spence fails to make it, the England head coach will be forced into yet more reshaping of a back line already patched together in this tournament. Reece James is still a doubt with a hamstring problem that has lingered longer than England would like, leaving Tuchel short of natural options on the right.

There is at least one piece of better news. Jarell Quansah is back in contention after an ankle injury, picked up in the group-stage win over Panama, kept him out of the DR Congo tie. His return restores a degree of flexibility, particularly if Tuchel decides to move away from a conventional back four.

That possibility now looms larger. With both first-choice right-backs uncertain, England’s growing list of concerns could push Tuchel towards a change of shape, perhaps adding an extra centre-back to secure the flanks in the thin air and intensity of the Azteca.

The stakes are clear. A place in the quarter-finals on the line, altitude, Mexico’s ferocious home support – and England potentially walking out with a reshuffled defence once again.