England face Mexico in the World Cup last-16 at Azteca Stadium in the early hours of Monday, with Thomas Tuchel wrestling over right-back and wide positions after an indifferent display against DR Congo. Six Sky Sports writers step into the manager's shoes, each offering a different solution to a backline crisis that has no clean answer.

The right-back headache deepens with Reece James and Jarrell Quansah injured. Djed Spence started in Atlanta but struggled; Declan Rice filled in late and impressed, though moving him from midfield weakens England's engine. Meanwhile, Anthony Gordon's two assists off the bench for Harry Kane have ignited a genuine selection debate on the left flank.

Consensus forms around Bukayo Saka starting on the right. The left wing splits between Gordon (three writers) and Morgan Rogers. Defense fractures further: Rice at right-back, Ezri Konsa shifting over with John Stones at centre-back, or persisting with Spence. Each option carries distinct risks against a Mexico side that will press high at altitude.

Tuchel's in-game adjustments have worked so far, but this decision carries tournament-defining weight. Rice's midfield energy versus his defensive utility, Spence's vulnerability under pressure, and Gordon's impact-sub case all collide in a selection that could determine whether England advance or exit.