WOUNDED LION England star ‘nursing injury and huge doubt for Mexico clash’ as Thomas Tuchel faces another selection dilemma

THOMAS TUCHEL is facing another selection dilemma with Djed Spence nursing an injury ahead of tonight’s showdown with Mexico.

The Tottenham star is highly unlikely to start for the Three Lions at the Azteca, according to Sky Sports reporter Rob Dorsett. It comes as yet another blow for Thomas Tuchel following Reece James‘ injury.

The Chelsea star was not fit enough to train with his Three Lions team-mates on Saturday, and is a major doubt for tonight.

Spence was also forced off against DR Congo having been given a torrid time by goalscorer Brian Cipenga.

He was back in training with his England team-mates on Saturday, but was unlikely to be given the nod at right-back regardless.

Tuchel has ruled out starting Declan Rice at right-back – opening the door for Jarell Quansah to earn a recall.

The Bayer Leverkusen ace, 23, missed the DR Congo win after limping off with an ankle injury against Panama.

Quansah returned to training ahead of the last-16 showdown.

Rice, who will play through pain barrier against the Mexicans, stepped in at right-back for the closing stages of the dramatic win over DR Congo. Tuchel, however, has refused to put the Arsenal man in defence, despite Mexico‘s biggest threat coming from left winger Julian Quinones.

Speaking to ITV pre-match, Tuchel said: “No, he is a solution at the end of the match if we need to be more offensive.

“But he will be back in midfield. I’m confident we have some good solutions.”

Chelsea star James, who started the first two games of the World Cup, is still recovering from a hamstring injury.

England’s right-back woes have given Thomas Tuchel a real headache, particularly after Tino Livramento was forced to withdraw and Trent Alexander-Arnold missed out on the 26-man squad.

SunSport understands Bukayo Saka and Anthony Gordon could both return to the starting XI in place of Noni Madueke and Marcus Rashford.

Gordon, fresh from bagging a £70million move to Barcelona, bagged two assists after coming off the bench.

Tonight’s match is facing delays with an ominous forecast looming over Mexico City, and England fans sharing videos of biblical rainfall last night. The Mexican government had initially demanded the game be moved forward, but it is now due to kick off at its original 6pm local time (1am BST).

However, from 4pm there is an 80 per cent chance of thunderstorms in Mexico City. If a thunderstorm moves within an eight-mile radius of the Azteca, officials must suspend the match.

Play cannot resume until at least 30 minutes after the final lightning strike.