England face Mexico in a crucial World Cup last-16 clash tonight, with Thomas Tuchel weighing up key selection decisions. The Three Lions came from behind to beat DR Congo 2-1 in the round-of-32 on Wednesday, setting up a showdown with the co-hosts at the high-altitude Estadio Azteca in Mexico City.
Team News and Injury Updates
England started with Djed Spence at right-back against DR Congo due to injuries to Reece James and Jarell Quansah. Declan Rice also filled in at right-back late on after Tuchel brought on Eberechi Eze in midfield while chasing the game. James missed the final Group L fixture against Panama with a hamstring injury, and Quansah limped off with an ankle problem in that match.
Quansah trained with the squad in Mexico City on Saturday and could start in the round of 16. However, James worked alone and remains a doubt. Speaking in his pre-match press conference on Saturday evening, Tuchel said: “You saw Jarell train. He trained today and is fully available. Reece can maybe make it on to the bench, but we need the last assessment from the doctors and the medical opinion [as to] whether this makes sense.”
Selection Dilemmas in Attack
Noni Madueke and Marcus Rashford were disappointing in starting wide roles against DR Congo, while substitutes Bukayo Saka and Anthony Gordon made an impact off the bench. Gordon assisted both of Harry Kane’s late goals. Saka and Gordon could now start against Mexico, with Jude Bellingham at No10 and captain Kane leading the line after his latest heroics saw him move past Pele on the list of all-time top World Cup finals goalscorers.
Predicted Lineup and Key Details
Jordan Pickford will remain in goal but will look to improve after being beaten too easily at his near post for Brian Cipenga’s early goal for DR Congo. Nico O’Reilly is expected to continue at left-back, with Rice resuming his midfield partnership with Elliot Anderson.
Predicted England XI (4-2-3-1): Pickford; Quansah, Konsa, Guehi, O’Reilly; Anderson, Rice; Saka, Bellingham, Gordon; Kane.
Doubt: James.
Time and date: 1am BST on Monday July 6, 2026.
Venue: Estadio Azteca, Mexico City.
How to watch: BBC One.
