Spence muscle problem adds to England right-back concerns ahead of Mexico clash

Here is the latest breaking news from around the world: Spence muscle problem adds to England right-back concernsImage source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Djed Spence has featured in all four of England's World Cup matches so farBySami Mokbel Senior football correspondent in Mexico CityPublished29 minutes agoDefender Djed Spence has complained of a muscular niggle before England's last-16 World Cup meeting with Mexico. The 25-year-old started the last-32 victory over DR Congo at right-back, but there is uncertainty over his role at the Azteca Stadium. The Tottenham player's issue is currently unspecified and it remains to be seen whether he is able to start the match on Sunday night (Monday 01:00 BST).

If Spence is unfit, England boss Thomas Tuchel will have to make further changes to his defence. Right-back Reece James remains a doubt following a hamstring issue, but Jarell Quansah is available after an ankle injury in the group-stage win over Panama ruled him out of the DR Congo tie. England's injury concerns could also open the door to a potential formation change.

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James doubtful for Mexico tie but Quansah fit again Published21 hours agoMexico fans fail in bid to wake up England players Published5 hours agoEngland have struggled against low block - could they use it to beat Mexico? Published5 hours agoSpence 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. Chelsea captain James has missed the past two matches after suffering a hamstring problem late on against Ghana.

The 26-year-old is yet to train fully with the squad since the injury and was the only player absent for Saturday's session in Mexico City. The Football Association told Sport James was following his own individual programme away from the training field. Tuchel also told the media on Saturday that the player would need a late assessment before deciding if he was fit enough for the substitutes bench against Mexico.

Following Quansah's injury, the German admitted he was worried about England's right-back crisis before the DR Congo match. Newcastle right-back Tino Livramento was forced to leave the squad with a calf issue before the start of the World Cup campaign, with Tuchel opting to call-up Chelsea centre-back Trevoh Chalobah rather than a replacement right-back such as Real Madrid's Trent Alexander-Arnold. Tuchel's only other option at right-back is Ezri Konsa, who has started all four of England's matches so far at centre-back.

The story has become one of the most prominent items on the global agenda.