Thomas Tuchel has been instructed to select one of England's most criticised players in an effort to end Lionel Messi's World Cup dreams. Argentina and their mercurial captain stand between the Three Lions and a place in Sunday's final against either Spain or France.
Messi's inspired form
Messi, in what will almost certainly be his last World Cup, has rolled back the years and inspired his side to the latter stages of the tournament with a series of inspirational displays. England have been forced to chop and change their defensive line-up throughout the tournament but with the finishing line in sight, aside from the suspended Jarrell Quansah, Tuchel is now playing with a full deck of cards.
Bothroyd's recommendation
Former England and Arsenal striker Jay Bothroyd believes Djed Spence is the defender best qualified to deal with the threat of Messi. The Tottenham star has shown flashes of attacking potential but Bothroyd is confident his aptitude in one-on-one situations means he should get the nod at left-back.
'Especially when he plays on the left-hand side,' Bothroyd told Sky Sports when asked where he has been most impressed by Spence. 'It's funny because he's a right-footed defender but when he plays left-back it seems he does better.'
Spence's one-on-one ability
'When you look at this game against Argentina, Messi is going to be manoeuvring around that right side and into central areas a lot more than being on the left-hand side. I feel like if you've got Spence in that position, I feel like as a one-on-one defender there's not better than him out there.'
'A defender where you're talking about positionally maybe so but he is the defender who has that recovery pace, he's one of the fastest in the England team. Maybe Tuchel will be looking at that and thinking he's someone who could get stuck into Messi. Every single player on that pitch is going to want to get close to Messi and nullify his abilities.'
Defensive options
Reece James' return to fitness has provided a welcome shot in the arm given England's shortage at right-back, while Nico O'Reilly has grown in stature on the opposite flank the longer the competition has progressed. However, Bothroyd is adamant that Spence's defensive qualities make him the ideal candidate to handle Messi's threat.
