England XI vs Mexico: Confirmed team news, predicted lineup, injury latest for World Cup 2026 | OneFootball

Thomas Tuchel faces a number of key calls for daunting last-16 challenge at the Estadio Azteca

Thomas Tuchel has plenty of crucial selection decisions to make for England’s last-16 meeting with Mexico at the World Cup.

The Three Lions had to fight back from going a goal down early to defeat DR Congo 2-1 in Wednesday’s dramatic round-of-32 clash in Atlanta, teeing up a huge showdown with the co-hosts at their high-altitude Mexico City fortress, the Estadio Azteca.

Both James and Quansah travelled to Atlanta to support the team and are in a race to be ready to return against Mexico.

Chelsea captain James also missed the final Group L fixture against Panama with a hamstring injury, a game in which replacement Quansah limped off with an ankle problem.

Tuchel would favour starting James at right-back if fit, and Quansah would be his clear second preference. If neither player is available again, however, he will likely choose between Spence and centre-back Ezri Konsa, who has played on the right for England before.

However, Konsa has started every game at this World Cup for England so far at centre-back, so moving him over would require a new partner in the middle for Marc Guehi, which would almost certainly be John Stones.

Losing his cool: Thomas Tuchel shouts at Djed Spence during England’s dramatic win over DR Congo

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Fellow centre-back Trevoh Chalobah - called up to the squad after the injury suffered on the eve of the tournament by Tino Livramento - can also play at right-back if needed.

Tuchel also has the option of putting Rice there from the start this time and finding a new midfield partner for Elliot Anderson, with Jude Bellingham having dropped into a deeper role and Morgan Rogers played at No10 against Panama when Rice - who has also been managing nerve pain in his hamstring - was rested due to a calf issue and suspension risk.

Kobbie Mainoo and Jordan Henderson are the other midfield options in the England squad.

Noni Madueke and Marcus Rashford were both disappointing in starting wide roles against DR Congo, with substitutes Bukayo Saka and Anthony Gordon making an impact off the bench. Gordon assisted both of Harry Kane’s late goals.

Both Saka and Gordon could now start against Mexico, with captain Kane leading the line as usual after his latest heroics that saw him move past Pele on the list of all-time top World Cup finals scorers.

Jordan Pickford will remain in goal though will look to improve after beating beaten too easily at his near post for Brian Cipenga’s early goal for DR Congo, with Nico O’Reilly remaining at left-back.