John Stones has been touted as an option to replace Reece James for England's World Cup clash with Panama on Saturday. Chelsea captain James has suffered a hamstring injury, raising concerns that he may also miss the Three Lions' first knockout match next week.
Tuchel Faces Right-Back Dilemma
Thomas Tuchel must select another right-back in his XI to face Panama in New Jersey. James, 26, played every minute of England's first two games, with Djed Spence and Nico O'Reilly sharing the left-back role. Being right-footed, Spence is the leading candidate to replace James, while Jarell Quansah can also play at full-back. But former England defender Danny Mills has put Stones' name forward.
The 32-year-old has plenty of experience on the right-hand side of defence, despite predominately being a centre-back. Stones started there as England beat Croatia before dropping to the bench against Ghana.
Mills Advocates for Stones
"I'd be tempted to play John Stones there if he's fit," Mills told Sky Sports. "John Stones has played there before but when I look at all the options - going forward, defensively, who's good on the ball - he's probably your best option, as a footballer, playing at right-back. And that's a bit of a fish out of water, it's not his natural position; [he's] not blessed with pace, he's done it for (Manchester) City on occasions. But that's where we're looking at. I think he's a better option defensively than Djed Spence would be."
Criticism of Squad Selection
Mills, however, can't fathom why Tuchel didn't call up a right-back when Tino Livramento suffered an injury during England's pre-tournament camp, instead selecting Trevoh Chalobah. "I don't understand the defensive selection especially once Livramento was out of the squad. I don't get calling up Chalobah in the slightest," Mills admitted.
"John Stones could play right-back and fill in. Kyle Walker could fill in as a deputy. He played 36 games in the Premier League last season. We now don't have a recognised right-back in the squad. You're putting square pegs into round holes going into the biggest tournament that you could potentially win after what England have done previously. It just looks unbalanced."
Concerns Over Top Opposition
"When you're up against the likes of (Kylian) Mbappe, (Lamine) Yamal, whoever else might be in those positions. You're going to be facing the very best. If you don't have natural players in those positions, it makes it very difficult," Mills added.
