Quansah set to start at right-back for England against Mexico

New Delhi, India Jul 6, 2026 ALN: Jarell Quansah is set to start at right-back for England against Mexico in the World Cup last-16 tie at the Azteca Stadium.

This match marks a significant moment in the tournament for both teams, as they vie for a spot in the quarter-finals. The stakes are high, and both England and Mexico are eager to showcase their talents on one of football's grandest stages. Quansah's inclusion in the starting lineup highlights the depth and versatility of the England squad, which has been a point of discussion throughout the tournament.

Wingers Bukayo Saka and Anthony Gordon are also expected to come into the side in place of Noni Madueke and Marcus Rashford. The strategic changes suggest that England's coaching staff is keen on maximizing offensive capabilities while ensuring defensive solidity against a formidable Mexican side known for its attacking prowess.

Bayer Leverkusen defender Quansah starts ahead of Djed Spence, who complained of a muscle niggle on Sunday morning. This decision reflects the coaching staff's confidence in Quansah's abilities, especially considering his recent return to full training after dealing with an ankle injury sustained during the group-stage win over Panama. His resilience and readiness to compete at this level will be crucial as England faces a challenging matchup.

BBC Sport expects the England XI to be: Jordan Pickford; Jarell Quansah, Ezri Konsa, Marc Guehi, Nico O'Reilly; Declan Rice, Elliot Anderson; Bukayo Saka, Jude Bellingham, Anthony Gordon; Harry Kane. This lineup indicates a blend of youth and experience, with players like Jude Bellingham and Bukayo Saka bringing fresh energy and creativity, while Harry Kane provides the leadership and goal-scoring threat that England will rely on.

Quansah, 23, is available for selection having returned to full training after suffering an ankle injury in the group-stage win over Panama. His ability to adapt to a right-back position, despite primarily playing as a centre-back for his club, showcases his versatility—a valuable asset in high-stakes matches like this one.

Monday's game from Mexico City kicks off at 01:00 BST, live on BBC One and iPlayer. The choice of the Azteca Stadium as the venue adds an additional layer of challenge, as it is known for its intimidating atmosphere and high altitude, which can affect players' performances.

Spence started at left-back for England's goalless group-stage draw with Ghana, while he was a substitute in the victories over Croatia and Panama. His recent injury, coupled with the absence of Reece James due to a hamstring issue, has pushed Quansah into a more prominent role in the starting lineup. James, a key player for England, has missed the past two matches after suffering a hamstring problem late on against Ghana and was the only player absent for Saturday's training session in Mexico City.

The Football Association informed the media that James was following his own individual program away from the training field, indicating that the team is taking a cautious approach to his recovery. Coach Thomas Tuchel also mentioned that James would need a late assessment to determine if he could be fit enough for the substitutes' bench against Mexico, underscoring the uncertainty surrounding player fitness in tournament play.

Declan Rice finished the DR Congo match at right-back. The Arsenal midfielder has been carrying a hamstring issue but is set to be fit to start against Mexico, demonstrating the physical demands placed on players during international competitions. His experience and skill in midfield will be crucial as England seeks to control the game against Mexico.

Newcastle full-back Tino Livramento was forced to leave the squad with a calf issue before the start of the World Cup campaign. His withdrawal from the squad led to Tuchel's decision to call up Chelsea centre-back Trevoh Chalobah rather than opting for a replacement right-back, such as Real Madrid's Trent Alexander-Arnold, which reflects the strategic choices made by the coaching staff in response to player availability.

Ex-Liverpool defender Quansah to earn sixth cap

Quansah usually plays at centre-back for Bundesliga side Bayer Leverkusen, and this match will mark his sixth cap for the England national team. One of his previous five caps came during the 2-0 win over Panama in the group stage, where he showcased his potential on the international stage. He started at right-back to cover the injured James, but ended up coming off himself in the second half after rolling his ankle, which adds a layer of narrative to his return to the starting XI.

Quansah was on Liverpool's books from the age of five until he was 22, making 58 appearances for the club and winning the Premier League and Carabao Cup. His development at Liverpool provided him with a strong foundation in competitive football, but his decision to join Bayer Leverkusen for a fee of £35 million last summer marked a significant step in his career, particularly after winning the European Under-21 Championship with England.

Since joining Bayer Leverkusen, he has played 44 times for the German club, scoring five goals—two more than he managed during his time at Liverpool. This scoring ability from a defensive position adds an intriguing dimension to his game, as it demonstrates his capability to contribute offensively, a quality that is increasingly valued in modern football.

As England prepares to face Mexico in this crucial match, the implications extend beyond just advancing in the tournament. The performance of players like Quansah could influence their future selection for the national team, as well as their club careers. A strong showing could solidify Quansah's status as a regular starter for England, while also enhancing his reputation in the Bundesliga.

Furthermore, the outcome of this match will have ramifications for both teams in terms of national pride and future tournaments. England, with its rich footballing history, aims to reclaim its status as a dominant force in international football, while Mexico seeks to prove its competitiveness on the global stage. As both teams take to the field, fans around the world will be watching closely, hoping for a thrilling encounter that showcases the best of what football has to offer.