Thomas Tuchel has made a surprise call for England’s final group game – opting to start Jarell Quansah at right-back over Djed Spence.
England were dealt a selection conundrum after Reece James was ruled out with a hamstring injury until the latter stages of the tournament.
It prompted criticism of Tuchel’s decision not to call up a natural full–back – overlooking Real Madrid’s Trent Alexander–Arnold in favour of Trevoh Chalobah –after Tino Livramento withdraw from the squad with a calf injury on the eve of the tournament.
Despite Ezri Konsa and Spence having more experience at right–back, Tuchel has given Under–21 European Championship winner Quansah the nod to start against Panama.
Tuchel’s decision to omit Trent Alexander-Arnold from the squad has faced criticism
Quansah is one of five changes made by Tuchel, with Nico O’Reilly coming in for Spence at left–back.
Declan Rice, who has been rested as a precaution, has been replaced by Morgan Rogers in an ambitious, attack–minded move by the England boss.
Meanwhile, the options either side of Harry Kane have been refreshed, with Marcus Rashford and Bukayo Saka earning their first starts of the tournament as Anthony Gordon and Noni Madueke drop to the bench.
England need to win to guarantee top spot in Group L, while Ghana or Croatia would finish above them if either better the Three Lions’ result.
England XI: Pickford; Quansah, Konsa, Guehi, O’Reilly; Anderson, Bellingham, Rogers; Saka, Kane, Rashford.
