England begin the knockout phase of the World Cup by facing DR Congo in Atlanta on Wednesday, and Thomas Tuchel has a number of selection headaches, most prominently in defence. The Three Lions faced plenty of criticism across their three group-stage matches, despite going unbeaten, racking up seven points and topping Group L.
Right-Back Crisis
Tuchel has already used 20 of his 26-man squad, with injuries and fitness problems forcing his hand. England seem to be cursed at right-back, with first-choice Reece James, backup Tino Livramento and makeshift Jarell Quansah all getting injured. John Cross, of the Mirror Football team, said: "Tuchel has made every team selection about the right-back. The England manager made a big mistake by picking two injury-prone players - James and Livramento - one has gone home and the other is out injured." Cross believes Tuchel should back Djed Spence: "Pick him against DR Congo, make him his first-choice right-back and just go with it. It's not ideal. But that's on Tuchel, sadly."
Defensive Partnerships
John Stones has not worked out as Tuchel was hoping, looking rusty in the first game and lacking sharpness through a lack of minutes. Ezri Konsa and Marc Guehi are a good combination in central defence, according to Cross. Ryan Taylor suggests playing Konsa at right-back with Stones partnering Guehi: "It gives England extra presence from set-pieces and just tightens them up, even if you lose a bit of in-play attacking threat." Nathan Ridley would start Konsa at right-back to allow Stones to return and use his ball-playing skills to open up DR Congo.
Midfield and Attack Decisions
The midfield picks itself for Cross: Jude Bellingham, Declan Rice and Elliot Anderson. However, Ridley raises another dilemma: "I'd give Anderson a rest and start Kobbie Mainoo, who showed his value when he broke into Gareth Southgate's line-up at Euro 2024. Remember how Mainoo ran the show against the Netherlands in the semi-final?" On the flanks, Marcus Rashford provided more pace and spark against Panama than Anthony Gordon, while Bukayo Saka should start if fit. Taylor notes that Noni Madueke could start due to Saka's condition being managed. Up front, Harry Kane is the clear choice, but Cross hopes Ivan Toney gets his moment as a penalty specialist, citing Paraguay shocking Germany and Morocco beating Holland on penalties.
Three Predicted XIs
Cross' XI: Pickford; Spence, Konsa, Guehi, O'Reilly; Anderson, Rice; Saka, Bellingham, Rashford; Kane. Taylor's XI: Pickford; Konsa, Stones, Guehi, O'Reilly; Anderson, Rice; Saka, Bellingham, Rashford; Kane. Ridley's XI: Pickford; Konsa, Stones, Guehi, O'Reilly; Mainoo, Rice; Saka, Bellingham, Rashford; Kane.
