The England XI Thomas Tuchel should pick vs Mexico to pull off big win | Football | Sport
England boss Thomas Tuchel has some tricky calls to make vs Mexico (Image: Getty)
England face a massive challenge in their bid to beat World Cup co-hosts Mexico on their own patch in the altitude of the Azteca Stadium tonight. The Three Lions are bidding to become just the third away team to win a competitive fixture at the ground in Mexico City since it opened in 1966, after Honduras in 2013 and Costa Rica in 2001.
Thomas Tuchel has a lot to think about – including selection headaches within his starting XI. England have struggled defensively at the tournament so far and will face a hungry Mexico side keen to carve them open. Express Sport picks an XI we think could get the better of Mexico to record a historic victory…
No surprises in net. No.1 Jordan Pickford retains his starting spot as he moves nearer to 100 caps. The Everton shot-stopper didn’t cover himself in glory for the DR Congo goal but he is used to the high-pressure moments for England as a key member of the team that reached back-to-back European Championship finals.
James Trafford has a big future ahead of him, provided he gets out of Manchester City to play regular Premier League football, but this is Pickford’s World Cup. He’ll need to be at his best in Mexico because keeping a clean sheet would be massive for England.
Defence: Konsa, Stones, Guehi, O’Reilly
Now here’s where the dilemmas start. Keep the faith in Djed Spence or drop him? We’d drop him. Why? Primarily because England’s backline needs more direction and leadership. John Stones offers that, and is also sublime on the ball.
Being good in possession will be crucial against Mexico’s press, which will have the Azteca crowd baying for blood. Stones at right centre-back with Ezri Konsa at right-back can offer some much-needed extra solidity in a match where England are sure to have to suffer at times.
Not least because one of Mexico’s best players has been their three-goal left winger Julian Quinones. Marc Guehi and Nico O’Reilly would then complete the England back four, meaning three of the four players would be Manchester City team-mates so are plenty familiar with each other.
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Bukayo Saka could return to the England starting XI vs Mexico (Image: Getty)
Midfield: Rice, Anderson, Bellingham
England’s midfield will need to be more organised against the Mexicans. They have been guilty of leaving huge gaps to cover, which has sometimes led to the issues the back four have been having.
But it’s clear that Declan Rice and Elliot Anderson are still the best choice partnership. England must pray Rice is fit enough to do at least 60-70 minutes because his absence could be match-defining otherwise.
Jude Bellingham has been brilliant for England in North America and as a man who relishes the big moment, he simply has to start in hope that he decides the match once more for his country.
Attack: Saka, Kane, Gordon
Starting with the obvious: England’s saviour, captain Harry Kane, leads the line. But next to him, Bukayo Saka is a real conundrum. Fully fit, he’s clearly England’s best right winger. But he’s clearly not at 100 per cent sharpness right now, hence why he isn’t starting every game.
Yet his main back-up, Noni Madueke, has had a poor tournament until now. Madueke is fitter and fresher but just not at the level Saka can play to. And with Konsa offering greater protection defensively, we’re gambling on starting Saka
On the left wing, do you go for Marcus Rashford, Anthony Gordon or Morgan Rogers? Rashford really struggled against DR Congo, having also been poor against Panama, but might have more space to work in against Mexico. Yet Gordon’s defensive work ethic, and his two-assist cameo last time out, means he should get the nod. That’s who we’re going for.
