England's defensive preparations for their FIFA World Cup 2026 last-16 clash with Mexico have taken another blow, with right-back Djed Spence reporting a muscular problem ahead of Sunday night's tie at the Azteca Stadium.

Spence, 25, featured at right-back in England's last-32 win over DR Congo, but his availability for the Mexico fixture remains uncertain following the unspecified knock. Kick-off is scheduled for Sunday night, 01:00 BST on Monday.

James still a doubt, Quansah returns

The Tottenham defender's setback compounds an already difficult situation for manager Thomas Tuchel. Reece James is also struggling with a hamstring problem and remains a doubt for the Azteca showdown.

There is, however, a boost on the horizon. Jarell Quansah is fit again after the ankle injury he suffered during the group-stage victory over Panama ruled him out of the DR Congo match.

Should Spence fail to recover in time, Tuchel faces the prospect of making further reshuffles across his defensive line — and the injury concerns could even prompt a rethink of England's formation altogether.