Spence doubt leaves England with a right-back question before Mexico

Djed Spence is unlikely to be available for England’s World Cup tie with Mexico. The reported setback leaves Thomas Tuchel with a fresh problem to solve on the right side of defence.

Sky Sports Football, citing Rob Dorsett, reports that Spence is not expected to feature, though no medical detail or recovery timeline was included in the source material. That keeps the focus on Tuchel’s immediate selection dilemma rather than the longer-term picture.

For England, the issue is less about one position in isolation and more about how the back line is balanced for a knockout-style tournament environment. Without confirmed alternatives in the source, editors should avoid naming a likely replacement until team news or further reporting supports it.

The key discussion now is how Tuchel adjusts without overexposing another area of the team. England’s shape against Mexico may reveal whether he prioritises defensive security, attacking width, or continuity in a disrupted position.