Thomas Tuchel faces some major decisions(Image: Stephen Nadler/ISI Photos/ISI Photos via Getty Images)
Thomas Tuchel is facing one of his biggest selection tests as England prepare to begin the knockout phase of the World Cup against DR Congo in Atlanta.
The Three Lions came through Group L unbeaten, collecting seven points and finishing top of the table. But the mood around the team has not been completely convincing, with performances drawing criticism and supporters still waiting for England to produce a display full of rhythm, confidence and goals.
John Cross believes that Djed Spence should start at right-back(Image: Rich Graessle/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
The most urgent issue is at right-back. England have been badly hit in that position, with Reece James, Tino Livramento and Jarell Quansah all affected by injuries. That has left Tuchel with a difficult call over whether to trust Djed Spence from the start or move Ezri Konsa across from central defence.
John Stones was dropped to the bench after England’s opening game(Image: Marc Atkins/Getty Images)
John Cross believes Spence should now be backed properly. In his view, Tuchel has little choice but to give the defender a clear role and stop reshuffling the position. His preferred back line would see Spence start at right-back, with Konsa and Marc Guehi in central defence and Nico O’Reilly at left-back.
The midfield debate also continues. Jude Bellingham, Declan Rice and Elliot Anderson have looked like Tuchel’s preferred trio, but there are questions over whether England need more creativity against a side they are expected to dominate. Nathan Ridley argued that Kobbie Mainoo could offer exactly that, giving England extra composure and passing quality beside Rice.
Kobbie Mainoo hasn’t featured at the World Cup so far(Image: Jose Breton/Pics Action/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
There are also big decisions on the wings. Bukayo Saka has been managing fitness concerns but remains one of England’s most important attacking players when available. Marcus Rashford impressed against Panama with his pace and directness, while Anthony Gordon, Noni Madueke and Morgan Rogers are all still pushing for minutes.
Harry Kane remains the obvious choice up front, but the knockout stage may also bring a role for Ivan Toney or Ollie Watkins from the bench. With recent shootout drama elsewhere in the tournament, Toney’s penalty expertise could become especially valuable if England are dragged into a tense finish.
Tuchel has already used 20 members of his 26-man squad, which shows both the depth available and the uncertainty around his strongest side. England have survived the group stage, but the margin for experimentation is now much smaller.
Against DR Congo, the team sheet will say a great deal about Tuchel’s trust, tactics and long-term plan. England are through, but from this point on, every major call could shape their World Cup fate.
