Spence Poised for Right-Back Role as England Navigate DR Congo Injury Crisis

England's right-back position has become a thorny problem for Thomas Tuchel heading into Wednesday's World Cup round of 32 clash with DR Congo, and Tottenham's Djed Spence looks set to be handed the responsibility.

The injury toll at the back has been mounting since the tournament began. Tino Livramento was ruled out before a ball was kicked, and Reece James subsequently missed the group stage encounter with Panama. That left Bayer Leverkusen's Jarell Quansah—a natural centre-back—deputising on the flank, only for him to suffer a twisted ankle during that very match against Panama.

With both James and Quansah now unavailable for the DR Congo tie, Spence appears the obvious candidate to fill the void. The Spurs man is considered the favourite and is expected to take up the starting berth.

The good news comes in midfield, where Declan Rice will return to the fold after being rested during England's 2-0 win over Panama that secured top spot in Group L. The Arsenal midfielder's availability offers some relief after the group stage proved demanding on Tuchel's squad.

Yet not everyone is convinced Rice should be the automatic choice. Former Manchester United midfielder Paul Scholes has made a case for Elliot Anderson instead, arguing that England shouldn't field two sitting midfielders against opposition of DR Congo's calibre. Speaking on The Good, The Bad & The Football podcast, Scholes suggested the team should prioritise attacking players in such matchups.

Scholes acknowledged Rice's quality and leadership credentials but questioned whether the midfielder's style had carried over from a disappointing Arsenal season, where he struggled to supply Martin Odegaard effectively. Anderson, he contended, would be more inclined to play forward passes and unlock England's attacking potential.

England now face Mexico or Ecuador in the round of 16 should they progress, with Brazil and Argentina potential obstacles further down the line.