England hit by fresh injury headache with star a doubt to start against Mexico

Djed Spence is a doubt to start England’s World Cup last 16 clash with Mexico due to a minor calf injury, talkSPORT understands.

With Reece James also unlikely to be risked for the full 90 minutes and potentially extra time, Spence’s issue is the latest right-back headache for head coach Thomas Tuchel.

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Declan Rice ended the 2-1 win over DR Congo in that position, but Tuchel has said publicly he would not start there at the Estadio Azteca.

Jarell Quansah is back in full training, so could be the man to deputise for Spence for tonight’s match, live on talkSPORT.

Some sources have even suggested England could line up with a back-three, with Bukayo Saka featuring at right wing-back.

Spence started at right-back in the comeback win against DR Congo earlier in the week amid an injury crisis in the position.

James and Quansah missed out on the last 32 victory due to their respective hamstring and ankle issues.

However, head coach Thomas Tuchel has hinted that both players could return against Mexico.

“Reece is maybe on the bench tomorrow, let’s see,” he told talkSPORT. “But everyone else is fully available.”

Elsewhere, Rice is set to be a welcome returnee after he was spotted holding an ice pack on his hamstring against DR Congo.

The midfielder has been dealing with neural pain since Christmas and was a precautionary substitution in the 4-2 win over Croatia.

There is also set to be a battle for starting roles on the wings at the Estadio Azteca.

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Marcus Rashford and Noni Madueke were given the nod against DR Congo but, like many of their teammates, had a limited impact,

Anthony Gordon and Saka replaced them, with the former assisting Harry Kane for both of his goals.

Weather risks delay to match

Kick-off for Mexico v England, which is being played in Mexico City, is scheduled for 6pm local time (1am UK time).

However, as per the weather forecast, thunderstorms could impact the scheduling of the World Cup match.

Severe weather is expected to begin around two hours before kick-off, with an 80 per cent chance of thunderstorms.

FIFA were thinking of bringing the match forward by six hours amid the threat of disruption.

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However, after backlash from Mexico and England, the initial time has remained in place for now.

Disruption to kick-off looks likely, so we will bring you all the latest updates as and when we can.