England vs Mexico: Who gets the nod at right-back and on the wings? Our writers name their XIs for World Cup last-16 clash

England are gearing up for a World Cup last-16 showdown against Mexico at the iconic Azteca Stadium in the early hours of Monday, and the selection headaches are real. After a patchy performance against DR Congo in the round of 32 – where several starters failed to impress – Thomas Tuchel has some big calls to make. The right-back spot remains a glaring issue with Reece James and Jarrell Quansah sidelined. Djed Spence started the previous game but struggled, while Declan Rice and Ezri Konsa were both used there later on. Out wide, Marcus Rashford and Noni Madueke both underwhelmed before Anthony Gordon came off the bench to set up both of Harry Kane’s goals. Is that enough to earn him a starting berth? And what about Bukayo Saka, who has been nursing fitness concerns? Our writers step into Tuchel’s shoes and pick their best XIs to take on El Tri. Laura Hunter wants to see Morgan Rogers given a chance on the left, with Saka on the right. She keeps Spence at right-back, arguing he’s the safest option given the lack of cover, and sticks with the Elliot Anderson-Declan Rice midfield axis for its solidity. Dan Long feels Gordon’s impact against DR Congo should be rewarded with a start. He would keep Madueke on the right based on his chance creation and dribbling numbers, and believes Rashford can be more effective from the bench. Nick Wright proposes a bold move: starting Rice at right-back. He argues Spence is too ribroadcaster, and shifting Konsa to centre-back would disrupt defensive stability. Rice’s chemistry with Arsenal teammates Eze and Saka could be a weapon, and Tuchel can always adjust if the midfield suffers. Rich Morgan opts for experience: John Stones partners Marc Guehi in central defence, allowing the more defensively sound Konsa to slot in at right-back. He also goes with Saka and Gordon as the wide duo, pointing out that both changed the game after coming on against DR Congo. The debate is wide open – and the answers will come on the pitch in Mexico City.