Ian Wright has expressed confidence that Djed Spence will be selected as England's right-back for their final World Cup group stage match against Panama on Saturday. The Three Lions are without Reece James, who sustained a hamstring injury that will also rule him out of the last-32 tie next week.
Injury crisis at right-back
England's right-back options have been severely depleted. Tino Livramento suffered an injury that ended his tournament last week. Trevoh Chalobah, called up as a replacement, can play the role, as can Ezri Konsa and Jarell Quansah. However, Spence appears the most likely candidate.
Wright's analysis
Thomas Tuchel started Spence at left-back against Ghana midweek, ahead of Nico O'Reilly. Speaking to ITV, Wright said: 'Reece has had those problems with injuries, Thomas knows him and thought he might be able to make it and unfortunately he hasn't. But I think with Djed Spence there and bringing Saka in now, he's had some rest, you've got to think a bit more from the attacking point of view and what we are capable of. We're going to miss his set piece delivery but I think we've got some cover for that.'
Saka's potential return
Wright also urged Tuchel to start Bukayo Saka on the right wing, replacing Noni Madueke. Saka has been sidelined with an Achilles injury that caused him to miss five games for Arsenal in April. He has been left out of the starting XI against Croatia and Ghana. Marcus Rashford is also hoping to start on the left, with Anthony Gordon yet to make a significant impact.
