England line-up for Mexico game 'leaked' as Thomas Tuchel makes huge defensive call

Jarell Quansah is expected to start for England in their World Cup round of 16 clash against Mexico as Thomas Tuchel's injury-hit defence continues to give him selection headaches.

Coming into the contest, Tuchel confirmed first-choice right-back Reece James, who has been struggling with a hamstring injury, would need to be assessed before Sunday's game at the Azteca.

A few days ago, Djed Spence also complained of a minor calf injury, adding to England's concerns at right-back, while Declan Rice's fitness has continued to be a talking point throughout the tournament.

So, how will the Three Lions line-up against Mexico? As mentioned above, it looks like Quansah will start at right-back.

The 23-year-old defender, who came off with a twisted ankle in England's 2-0 win over Panama in their final group game, has been deemed fit after Tuchel expressed his concern about England's troubles at right-back.

Jarell Quansah is set to start against Mexico. Image credit: Getty

In other news, Anthony Gordon and Bukayo Saka are also expected to replace Noni Madueke and Marcus Rashford, according to the BBC.

Here is the leaked England XI: Jordan Pickford; Jarell Quansah, Ezri Konsa, Marc Guehi, Nico O'Reilly; Declan Rice, Elliot Anderson; Bukayo Saka, Jude Bellingham, Anthony Gordon; Harry Kane.

READ MORE: Every possible England vs Mexico kick-off time ranked by probability after weather update

What Declan Rice said at the end of England's clash against DR Congo is still a huge concern

Earlier this week, Tuchel revealed the conversation he had with Rice after the midfielder was brought off in the final stages of their World Cup win over DR Congo.

Rice, who has been managing nerve pain in his hamstring since Christmas, was left out of England's final group stage game against Panama amid fitness concerns.

A few days later, in the build-up to the round-of-32 clash against DR Congo, the 27-year-old was asked how he was feeling.

“I'm good. Genuinely, I'm good," he said. “I know there's been one [niggle] over my hamstring, which has been an issue, but that's not a problem because I'm still here training, I'm playing. I'm fine.

“I got a dead calf in the last minute of the Ghana game. The guy whacked me and it literally blew up for like three days, so that was just unlucky. It wasn't actually a calf problem. I’m managing myself really well. I feel good, fit and strong.”

He featured in Wednesday's clash in Atlanta but in the final moments, he was replaced by John Stones.

Rice was said to be in "terrible pain" at the end of the game, according to Tuchel, who insists the Arsenal man will be able to carry on in the tournament despite the knock.

As per The Mirror, Tuchel said: “I asked him (Rice). He said: ‘I can do it for the team but I am in terrible pain’ and when Declan tells you he is in terrible pain then you know he cannot take it anymore."

Tuchel added: “He was grateful we took him off but he said after the game its not an issue. There is no injury I think he will recover. He was just in pain and I hope he is right. It’s more neural pain.”