Thomas Tuchel has been rocked by a new injury concern ahead of England's World Cup round of 16 clash with Mexico tonight at the iconic Azteca Stadium. Sky Sports say that Djed Spence is a fresh fitness doubt and is unlikely to start for the Three Lions at right-back because he is nursing an injury. England have suffered multiple issues in the position since Tino Livramento was forced to pull out of the squad pre-tournament.
Jarrel Quansah and Reece James have also been hit by injuries since England's World Cup campaign got underway last month. And now Spence joins them with an issue which is set to see Declan Rice start out of position or the fit-again Quansah selected at right-back. Whoever starts will be up against three-goal Mexico left winger Julian Quinones, who is key to the co-hosts' hopes of victory.
Tuchel did not mention any problems for Spence in his pre-match press conference, when he declared that Rice was fit and James could return to the bench. Tottenham full-back Spence trained yesterday.
"Reece is maybe on the bench tomorrow, let's see," his German head coach said to talkSPORT. "But everyone else is fully available."
He added: "Jarell trained and is fully available. Reece can maybe make it on the bench, but we need a last assessment from the doctors and a medical opinion."
If Rice starts at right-back, that could see Jordan Henderson or Kobbie Mainoo come into midfield. Alternatively, Rice may remain Elliot Anderson's partner if Quansah returns to the starting line-up to replace Spence.
Tuchel's team picks itself in most positions with Jordan Pickford certain to start in goal and Nico O'Reilly, Ezri Konsa, Marc Guehi, Anderson, Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane among the guaranteed starters.
The other dilemma that awaits Tuchel with his line-up comes at left wing, where Anthony Gordon is hoping to replace Marcus Rashford, and right wing, where Noni Madueke could lose his starting spot to Bukayo Saka.
And the England manager is relishing an exciting match in Mexico City as his team bid to reach the quarter-finals, where they would face five-time champions Brazil or Norway in Atlanta next Saturday.
He said: "It's even nicer than I expected. It just catches you straight away. Once we landed here and saw the excitement and emotions. The commitment of people for the World Cup.
"I felt straight away that this will be a proper World Cup match tomorrow. We knew it before. We are in an iconic place, an iconic stadium. A massive knockout game against Mexico in the Azteca Stadium. It's an iconic match and a big stage and we feel it.
"We know about the situation. We spoke about it. We will take care of what needs to be taken care of and we need a strong performance and I think we will have one."