Thomas Tuchel says Reece James could be on England’s bench for their crucial World Cup last-16 clash with hosts Mexico. But the England boss was quick to stress the Chelsea captain’s involvement would be subject to the verdict of his medical team.
The 26-year-old full-back has been sidelined with a hamstring injury, which saw him miss England’s last two games of the tournament. James had started both group-stage games against Croatia and Ghana, only to have his campaign halted by the frustrating setback. The defender trained separately from the rest of the squad on Saturday ahead of the showdown on Sunday evening at the intimidating Estadio Azteca in Mexico City.
Tuchel is cautiously optimistic his captain could be handed a place among the subs for this daunting knockout assignment. The German has been forced to navigate a stubborn right-back crisis with several natural options either injured or not yet at full match fitness. If James is eventually passed fit, he may go straight back into the starting eleven given his obvious importance to the side.
It is a big task for the Three Lions at a ground where visiting sides have struggled to win. England will hope their medics have some encouraging news before the contest kicks off in the early hours of Monday morning back home.
Tuchel considers options to solve England’s right-back crisis
Aside from the James uncertainty, Thomas Tuchel is still battling a right-back headache that has plagued him throughout this entire tournament. Jarell Quansah, who came into the team earlier in the competition, has returned to full training and could still be in contention to face Mexico. The manager would welcome his potential return after a punishing run of injuries in that problematic area of the pitch.
Another option is Djed Spence, though his display in the last-32 victory over DR Congo drew heavy criticism from both pundits and supporters. England’s coaching staff even deployed Declan Rice at right-back in the 84th minute, making him the fifth player to fill the position in four games. Some observers have instead suggested another solution of moving Ezri Konsa across and returning John Stones to central defense.
Whatever path Tuchel finally chooses, the decision will have huge weight against a Mexican side that’s full of attacking intent of their own on home soil. The manager has the mammoth task of combining defensive solidity with the need to silence a passionate crowd in the cauldron of the Azteca. England’s fans will be praying their side can finally find some stability in a problem position at the most crucial possible moment.