World Cup 2026: England’s Thomas Tuchel must get it right in danger zone

Their injuries leave Djed Spence as the last right-back standing, although Tuchel could also switch centre-back Ezri Konsa to that position, opening up the possibility of a recall for John Stones.

Jordan Pickford is the goalkeeping mainstay, but the defence is unsettled, Tuchel starting with Stones and Konsa in the 4-2 win against Croatia. He then switched to Konsa and Marc Guehi, with Stones dropping out.

Tuchel has been left having to factor in 32-year-old Stones starting only five Premier League games before leaving Manchester City at the end of last season, while James only started 20 for Chelsea.

The German’s apparent fixation with a strategy of picking versatile defenders who can play on both flanks, along with central defenders who can fill in at full-back, has placed England in a tricky situation.

If England face Brazil and Vinicius Jr in a potential quarter-final in Miami, this is surely a job for a specialist. Tuchel must hope he is not having to keep his fingers crossed while making those optimistic noises about James’ fitness.

Elsewhere, Tuchel must also decide whether to start Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka against DR Congo. He was given his first start of the World Cup against Panama, lasting 63 minute while continuing to nurse an Achilles tendon problem.

Speaking to the media in Atlanta, Tuchel said: “We know these are the moments where we have to find ways to win. We need to dig in and to play at the highest level.”

He added: “We are the favourites. We play against our own expectations. We expect to go further than the round of 32, so why should the public not expect that?”

Tuchel must get every decision right from now on. As with England’s players, the head coach cannot afford mistakes.