Tuchel's Right-Back Meltdown: England Faces DR Congo in World Cup Knockout

Reece James and Jarell Quansah? Both done. Out injured. That leaves Tuchel staring at a black hole on the right flank. James pulled a hamstring during the Ghana draw. Quansah twisted his ankle, badly, versus Panama. Just like that, two key men down.

So, who's left? Djed Spence. The Tottenham defender has barely seen the pitch, mostly shunted to left-back during the group stage. He got a mercy run of 27 minutes against Panama after Quansah went down. Trevoh Chalobah? Drafted in early as emergency cover. Still hasn't played a minute.

Spence has 'impressed when called upon' in warm-ups and group fixtures, they say. Fine. He's the likely starter. Because who else is there? Centre-back Ezri Konsa? Only if the apocalypse hits.

And what about the attack? England's wingers, all pace, no guile. Perfect for Kane to ping balls over the top to. Trouble is, DR Congo plays compact. Low possession. Means Kane can't just be the deep-lying playmaker. He needs to get in the box. Score goals. His finishing, not just his passing range, will be the decider.

Jude Bellingham's role? Shifting, thanks to Declan Rice's return. Rice, though. He's often pushed up, not just alongside his partner. So Bellingham's position might just get another tactical tweak. Great. More overthinking.