ENGLAND chief Thomas Tuchel has ruled out starting Declan Rice at right-back against Mexico – opening the door for Jarell Quansah to earn a recall.
The Bayer Leverkusen defender, 23, missed the comeback win over DR Congo after limping off with an ankle injury in the showdown with Panama.
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Thomas Tuchel has a selection headache at right-back Credit: PA
Jarell Quansah could bag a recall Credit: Getty
But Quansah has handed England a major boost after returning to training ahead of a daunting last-16 showdown with World Cup co-hosts Mexico.
The Three Lions were forced to play Rice as a makeshift right-back in the closing stages of the victory against DR Congo.
Tuchel has confirmed the Arsenal man will not start in that role in the clash with Mexico though – which could lead to Quansah being given the nod.
The German, 52, told ITV: “No, he is a solution at the end of the match if we need to be more offensive.
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“But he will be back in midfield. I’m confident we have some good solutions.”
Right-back has become a problem position for England during the tournament.
Reece James, who started the first two games of the World Cup, is still recovering from a hamstring problem.
And the Chelsea skipper is not in line to be involved against Mexico, which is still scheduled to kick-off at 1am UK time tomorrow.
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Djed Spence needed to come off with an injury against DR Congo, having already been given a tough time by goalscorer Brian Cipenga.
The Tottenham man has not taken part in full training since England booked their place in the last-16 and Tuchel does not want to take any risks.
It has left the former Chelsea boss, who rejected the chance to call up Trent Alexander-Arnold following Tino Livramento’s late withdrawal, with a real headache.
But Tuchel hinted Quansah, a centre-back by trade, has a better chance of featuring on the right-hand side of the defence.
Bukayo Saka, who has been managing an Achilles issue, and Anthony Gordon could also come into the starting line-up in place of Noni Madueke and Marcus Rashford.
England were behind when the duo came on as second half subs against DR Congo and they made a serious impact.
Declan Rice will not start at right-back Credit: Shutterstock Editorial
Gordon, who made a stunning £70million move to Barcelona before jetting out to the World Cup, bagged two assists.
That may be enough to convince Tuchel to make attacking changes with a spot in the quarter-finals up for grabs.
England have armed police guarding their hotel ahead of attempting to beat Mexico at the Estadio Azteca.
Measures were put in place with the Three Lions braced for hostile fans making a lot of noise throughout the night in a bid to disrupt their sleep.
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Mexico supporters let off fireworks, banged drums and honked car horns outside Ecuador’s team hotel before their last-32 tie.
Tuchel admitted: “Whatever tricks they have up their sleeves, I expect the worst and I expect every trick.”
