Declan Rice (left) speaks with Reece James during the England – DR Congo match in the World Cup 2026 round of 16 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, US on 30/6. Photo: Reuters

The right-back position in the Three Lions' defense has become a headache for the German coach ahead of their round of 16 clash against Mexico. Naming only Reece James and Tino Livramento – two players with extensive injury histories – to the squad was a gamble, and Tuchel is now feeling the consequences.

If the 52-year-old coach had any regrets about leaving Trent Alexander-Arnold at home, Livramento's subsequent injury offered a chance to rectify that decision. However, Tuchel ultimately called up Trevoh Chalobah as a replacement.

With James sidelined due to a hamstring injury, Spence started against DR Congo and struggled against Brian Cipenga. Television cameras captured Tuchel shouting instructions at his player from the dugout. Facing Mexico, England's immediate challenge is determining who will contain Julian Quinones, the left-wing forward who has scored three goals and provided one assist in this World Cup.

**Continue trusting Spence?**

Coaches often try to limit disruptions to the dressing room hierarchy, tending to opt for a Plan B substitute when injuries strike. England has lost two right-backs, and Spence is the only fit, pure right-back remaining. When pressure mounts, simplicity can sometimes be the best approach.

Spence is also one of the fastest players in the tournament, a crucial asset for neutralizing Quinones. In the goal conceded against DR Congo, Spence was not at fault; right-sided center-back Ezri Konsa made an incorrect interception, and Noni Madueke was completely out of position. Spence was forced to tuck inside to cover the gap.

Spence is forced to move centrally during England's conceded goal against DR Congo in the World Cup 2026 round of 16 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, US on 30/6. Photo: Telegraph

The most compelling reason for Spence's inclusion in England's World Cup squad was his one-on-one defensive ability. However, he appeared clumsy when Cipenga or other DR Congo players directly challenged him. While his covering movement for the goal was correct, he somewhat misjudged the ball's trajectory.

Spence also had little connection with Madueke, rendering England's right flank ineffective in attack. The duo's play was one-dimensional, consisting mainly of simple passes without off-the-ball movements, resulting in numerous aimless crosses.

**Shift Konsa to the flank, return John Stones to central defense?**

This option would provide more defensive solidity for the Three Lions. Deploying Konsa at right-back is a tactic coach Unai Emery previously used at Aston Villa when facing top teams. Konsa possesses the mobility to manage the flank, and Tuchel does not demand his full-backs to consistently overlap with wingers.

England's defense urgently needs a leader. While Stones is not known for his vocal commands, he brings experience and exceptional game reading. England's defensive system has been overly passive recently, and Stones could neutralize threats before they escalate. Having three of the four defenders as club teammates at Man City would also foster necessary cohesion.

John Stones on the training ground at St George's Park, Burton upon Trent, England on 3/9/2025. Photo: Reuters

A player who combines center-back and right-back qualities, always disciplined and maintaining his position, could help Tuchel's team avoid repeating the mistake that led to Ecuador's elimination against Mexico in the round of 16.

However, considering his current form, Stones is a shadow of his former self, easily losing his footing and position in England's first conceded goal against Croatia, leading to his benching. Tuchel previously praised Stones' quality, so his current non-selection indicates a fitness issue for the center-back.

**Continue patching with Rice?**

England's midfield engine performed admirably when moved to right-back for the final 20 minutes against DR Congo. This is not Rice's first time in this position; he was named man of the match playing right-back for Arsenal in a Premier League victory against Brighton last season.

Having developed as a center-back in West Ham's academy, Rice understands how to position his body, close down angles, and delay opponents in one-on-one situations. His defensive instincts, which allow him to dominate midfield, could be effective when integrated into the back four.

Declan Rice walks onto Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, US on 30/6 before the match against DR Congo in the World Cup 2026 round of 16. Photo: Reuters

The Arsenal trio's partnership, involving Rice, Bukayo Saka, and Eze, also promises to inject fresh attacking impetus, something the Madueke and Spence pairing failed to deliver. Furthermore, England could benefit from a new midfield balance. In this scenario, Kobbie Mainoo should be given an opportunity, or Tuchel could incorporate another attacking player like Morgan Rogers.

Last May, when Arteta moved Rice to right-back against West Ham after Ben White's injury, Arsenal's midfield was suffocated. Ultimately, the experimental approach was abandoned. Does England truly want to move their best central midfielder out of the engine room in a crucial match against Mexico? Right-back is also a physically demanding position, while Rice is currently struggling with lower back nerve pain and a hamstring issue.

**Gamble on James?**

The rationale for this option is simple: James is the most talented right-back in England's World Cup squad, and the knockout stages leave no room for error. The Three Lions have navigated the group stage and the DR Congo match, managing player fitness. However, facing Mexico at the iconic Azteca Stadium presents a different challenge. With James on the field, England's attacking and possession play would be smoother, not to mention his powerful long-range free kicks.

Reece James en route to MetLife Stadium, New Jersey, US for the Panama – England group stage match at World Cup 2026 on 27/6. Photo: Reuters

However, just a minor hamstring setback could end James' World Cup campaign, forcing Tuchel into an unavoidable substitution. The threat from Quinones also demands a safer choice. The direct, tearing runs of the Mexican player would certainly exhaust James if he isn't operating at 100% capacity.

According to the British newspaper Telegraph, the most logical solution is to deploy Konsa at right-back and Stones at center-back. With Nico O’Reilly playing freely from left-back, Tuchel's team could flexibly switch to a three-center-back formation comprising Konsa, Stones, and Guehi. Rice would remain in midfield, only shifting to the right flank if England falls behind and needs to go all out for a goal.

Ollie Watkins once shared that he often judges Premier League forwards by how they fare against his Villa teammate Konsa, highlighting the center-back's perfect 10 performance against Vinicius in an England friendly at Wembley. While Konsa has not been convincing since the start of World Cup 2026, a change in role might help the player rediscover his form.

The Telegraph also suggests that moving Rice to right-back to make way for Eze or Rogers in midfield is an appealing idea, but England is currently too vulnerable and easily broken down. It is time to solidify the defensive structure without the ball, control opponent counter-attacks, and only then consider a more expansive approach.

Hoang Thong (according to Telegraph)