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England’s XI vs Mexico
England’s Round of 16 match against Mexico at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City is set to hinge on Thomas Tuchel’s right-back decisions, with ESPN saying Jarell Quansah will start for England against Mexico on Sunday night.
ESPN reported that Reece James started England’s first two games against Croatia and Ghana, but an injury opened the door for Quansah, who played at right-back against Panama in the final group stage game.
ESPN also said Quansah was unavailable in the round of 32 against Congo DR due to an ankle injury, when Djed Spence started and Brian Cipenga scored for Congo DR down England’s right flank.
talkSPORT added that Djed Spence was nursing a minor calf issue and Reece James was not fit to start, while Quansah “has won his own fitness fight” after missing the round of 32 victory over DR Congo.
talkSPORT further said the match is scheduled for 6pm local time (1am UK time) in Mexico City, with thunderstorms expected and a shelter in place order issued by FIFA just before 10pm UK time due to severe weather.
Tuchel weighs injuries
Ahead of the Mexico City showdown, Metro.co.uk said Tuchel was expected to recall Jarell Quansah, Bukayo Saka and Anthony Gordon, with Djed Spence set to lose his place at right-back and Noni Madueke and Marcus Rashford in line to drop out.
Metro.co.uk also cited the BBC in saying Tottenham defender Spence complained of a muscle issue on Sunday morning, while Reece James remained ruled out after a hamstring injury that had kept him out of England’s last two matches.
In ESPN’s account of the tournament’s right-back carousel, Declan Rice even spent part of the second half at right-back as England turned defeat into victory thanks to Harry Kane’s two goals against Congo DR.
talkSPORT said Tuchel contemplated playing with a back three and wing-backs, and it flagged doubts over Declan Rice lasting the full 90 minutes plus potential extra time.
talkSPORT also reported that Quansah has made one appearance for the Three Lions at the World Cup so far, starting against Panama on June 27, when he was booked and handed a 3/10 rating by talkSPORT's Adrian Durham.
Altitude, kickoff risk
As England prepare for the high-altitude setting at the Estadio Azteca, Metro.co.uk said the pre-match conversation has been dominated by preparation for overcoming potential altitude problems in Mexico City.
“Jarell Quansah is set to start at right-back for England against Mexico in the World Cup last-16 tie at the Azteca Stadium”
Metro.co.uk quoted Tuchel on altitude, saying, “You know what, we feel it, we feel it even if we don’t train,” and added that he described a “slight headache in the hotel room through the day” and disrupted sleep.
Metro.co.uk also said the eagerly anticipated last-16 contest kicks off at 01:00 BST, with a quarter-final match against either Brazil or Norway awaiting the victor.
talkSPORT reported that FIFA were thinking of bringing the match forward by six hours amid the threat of disruption, but after backlash from Mexico and England the initial time remained in place for now.
talkSPORT said it would have live coverage “no matter what happens with the weather,” with commentary coming from Jim Proudfoot and Stuart Pearce.
