Overview
- England have used five different players at right-back during the tournament after injuries and withdrawals left the position unsettled.
- Chelsea captain Reece James has been ruled out until at least the last 16 with a hamstring problem, increasing pressure on the squad's backups.
- Wayne Rooney publicly urged a recall of retired full-back Kyle Walker to plug the gap, prompting debate among pundits and fans.
- Kyle Walker, who retired in March 2026 after 96 caps, told The Sun he will not reverse his decision and said he stepped aside for the next generation.
- Tuchel has had to deploy makeshift solutions such as Djed Spence out of position and Declan Rice or Ezri Konsa filling in late, a tactical risk as England prepare to play Mexico in Mexico City.