England dealt right-back blow as Spence set to miss Mexico World Cup tie

Thomas Tuchel has been handed a fresh selection headache at the World Cup after Sky Sports reported that Djed Spence is unlikely to be fit to feature in England’s tie against Mexico.

Sky Sports’ Rob Dorsett said the setback leaves the England head coach short of options at right-back, with knock-on effects for his wider team selection heading into the match.

A blow at the worst possible time

Spence had been in contention to feature for England during the tournament, but Dorsett’s update suggests the defender will not be risked against Mexico. Losing a recognised right-back at this stage of the World Cup is a significant complication for Tuchel, who has limited time on the training ground to reshuffle his backline before kick-off.

According to Sky Sports, the issue is not confined to a single position swap. Dorsett indicated the absence creates broader problems for how Tuchel configures his XI, given the balance a specialist right-back typically provides both defensively and in England’s build-up play.

Tuchel’s selection puzzle

With Spence expected to be unavailable, England’s head coach must now decide whether to shift a player from another position into the right-back role or restructure his defensive setup entirely for the Mexico fixture. Either route carries risk against a Mexico side who will be well aware of any disruption in England’s ranks.

Sky Sports has not confirmed further details on the nature of Spence’s fitness issue, and it remains to be seen whether he could return for later stages of the tournament should England progress. For now, the focus is firmly on how Tuchel adapts his plans in time for the Mexico match.

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England supporters will be hoping the disruption proves a minor hiccup rather than a lasting problem, with the squad’s depth at full-back set to be tested as the World Cup enters a crucial phase. Tuchel’s team selection against Mexico will be watched closely as a result.