Jarell Quansah was named in the England starting lineup at right back for their 2026 World Cup last-16 match against Mexico on Monday at the Azteca Stadium in Mexico City [1, 2, 3, 4]. The match kicks off at 01:00 BST Monday, which is Sunday night local time in Mexico City [5, 3].
England made three changes to their starting XI from the previous round of 32 match against DR Congo, with Quansah replacing Djed Spence at right back and Bukayo Saka and Anthony Gordon also included [1, 2, 4]. Djed Spence, who started at right back in the round of 32, missed the Mexico match due to a calf injury [5, 3, 4].
Reece James, who had been England’s regular right back but suffered a hamstring injury during the group stage against Ghana, missed recent matches and remained doubtful ahead of the Mexico game. James, 26, was following an individual rehab program away from training [5, 3, 4]. England head coach Thomas Tuchel said on Saturday after training that "Reece can maybe make it on the bench, but we need the last assessment from the doctors and medical opinion if this makes sense" [3].
Declan Rice, who carries a hamstring issue but is expected to be available, played part of the DR Congo match at right back and remains involved in the squad [5, 3, 4]. Bukayo Saka returned to the starting lineup against Mexico after earlier fitness concerns during the tournament [1, 2, 4].
Mexico named an unchanged starting lineup from their last-32 match against Ecuador [1, 2].
England's squad face Mexico at one of the most iconic World Cup venues as they aim to advance to the quarterfinals. The match marks an important challenge for Quansah, who stepped up amid injuries to England’s first-choice defenders.
The last-16 match at Azteca Stadium begins Monday at 01:00 BST (Sunday night local time). The starting lineup announcement came on July 5, following Quansah’s confirmed fitness after training on July 4 [5, 1, 2, 3, 4].
