England’s team for the Mexico game ‘leaked’ as Thomas Tuchel makes big defensive choice
Jarell Quansah is likely to start for England in their World Cup round of 16 match against Mexico, as Thomas Tuchel’s defence is dealing with a few injury problems. Tuchel confirmed that Reece James, the usual right-back who has been nursing a hamstring injury, will need a fitness check before Sunday’s game at the Azteca.
Recently, Djed Spence also had a minor calf injury, which adds to England’s worries about the right-back position. Meanwhile, Declan Rice’s fitness has been a hot topic throughout the tournament. So, how might England line up against Mexico? It looks like Quansah will fill the right-back spot.
The 23-year-old defender, who twisted his ankle during England’s 2-0 win over Panama, has been cleared to play despite earlier concerns from Tuchel about the team’s right-back options. Also, according to the BBC, Anthony Gordon and Bukayo Saka are expected to come in for Noni Madueke and Marcus Rashford.
Here’s the leaked England starting XI: Jordan Pickford; Jarell Quansah, Ezri Konsa, Marc Guehi, Nico O’Reilly; Declan Rice, Elliot Anderson; Bukayo Saka, Jude Bellingham, Anthony Gordon; Harry Kane.
Earlier this week, Tuchel talked about a chat he had with Rice after the midfielder was taken off late in England’s win over DR Congo. Rice has been dealing with nerve pain in his hamstring since Christmas and missed the final group game against Panama due to fitness worries.
Before the DR Congo game, Rice said, “I’m good. Honestly, I’m good. There’s been a hamstring niggle, but it’s not a problem because I’m still training and playing. I got a dead calf at the end of the Ghana game after a hit, which swelled up for a few days, but that wasn’t really a calf injury. I’m managing well and feel fit and strong.”
Rice played in Wednesday’s match in Atlanta but was subbed off for John Stones near the end. Tuchel said Rice was in “terrible pain” by that point but believes he can keep going in the tournament despite the discomfort.
The Mirror reports Tuchel saying, “I asked him and he said, ‘I can do it for the team but I’m in terrible pain.’ When Declan says that, you know he’s had enough. He was thankful we took him off, but after the game, he said it’s not an injury. I think he’ll recover. It’s more nerve pain.”