Mexico vs England predicted line-ups: Sky Sports writers pick their XIs with Declan Rice, Anthony Gordon and John Stones among players debated
England face Mexico in the last 16 of the 2026 World Cup on Monday morning; Sky Sports writers pick their starting XIs with questions remaining at right-back and on both wings
Friday 3 July 2026 16:04, UK
England are preparing to face Mexico in the last 16 of the 2026 World Cup in the early hours of Monday - but who should be in the team at the Azteca Stadium?
After an indifferent display from some against DR Congo in the round of 32, starting spots look to have opened up. Questions remain over the problem right-back position. Who are England's best wide players?
Djed Spence started at right-back in Atlanta in the absence of injured duo Reece James and Jarrell Quansah, with Declan Rice and Ezri Konsa stepping into the role later in the game.
There were patchy performances from starting wingers Marcus Rashford and Noni Madueke, before Anthony Gordon arrived from the bench to assist both of Harry Kane's goals. Is he worth another go from the off?
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Here, Sky Sports' writers step into Thomas Tuchel's shoes and pick their starting XIs against Mexico...
Try Rogers on the wing
There will be temptation to swap Djed Spence out of the starting XI after a less-than-convincing performance against DR Congo, but that is surely the riskier option given England's lack of cover. Moan all you want about Trent Alexander-Arnold's omission - and I've moaned more than most - but that ship has sailed. Spence, for now, is the best call if Reece James is not available.
Midfield is interesting. I like the balance of Elliot Anderson and Declan Rice, but I understand the clamour for Kobbie Mainoo, too. The Manchester United youngster can manipulate the ball in tight spaces better than the other two, and probably offers more passing options. But you can't argue with the solidity of Anderson-Rice, so I'm sticking.
I would like to see Morgan Rogers given a go off the left, with Bukayo Saka on the right - if he's fit enough to start again. Anthony Gordon has proved he is better as an impact player later in games.
Laura Hunter
Gordon to be rewarded for impact vs DR Congo?
It could well be time for another switch-up on the wing.
We all know Anthony Gordon did not produce his best during the opening two games, but setting up both of Harry Kane's goals against DR Congo should be rewarded with another start on the left. I think Marcus Rashford can have more of an impact off the bench, anyway.
Even though I'd like to see Bukayo Saka from the off on the opposite flank, Noni Madueke created the joint-most chances in the last game (three) and completed the most dribbles (three), so he stays for now. I'm not convinced there will be too much change elsewhere.
Dan Long
Rice can fill in at right-back
If you had told me two months ago that Declan Rice might start a World Cup last-16 tie as England's right-back, I wouldn't have believed you. But here we are. It is an imperfect solution but it might be the best one Thomas Tuchel has in the circumstances.
Persisting with the haphazard Djed Spence feels a riskier call and the other option, switching Ezri Konsa to the position and drafting John Stones in at centre-back, would mean yet more upheaval in an area of the pitch where England are crying out for a bit of stability.
Rice has been pushed to his limits this season. This would be another big ask. But he offers defensive security and could pose problems for Mexico at the other end of the pitch in a way Konsa simply couldn't. England also saw the power of his chemistry with Arsenal team-mates Eberechi Eze and Bukayo Saka in Atlanta.
If it doesn't work out, and England need more presence in the midfield battle, there is always the possibility to switch it up, with Tuchel's in-game adjustments having worked out well so far. But starting Rice at right-back looks the least worst option.
Nick Wright
Utilise the experienced Stones and move Konsa to right-back
Both wide forwards who begun the round-of-32 clash against DR Congo in Atlanta flattered to deceive, leaving little option but to select what many would consider to be England's most dangerous players in that position - Bukayo Saka on the right and Anthony Gordon on the left, for Mexico.
Both impressed after being introduced just past the hour mark at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium, with Barcelona's new £69m signing creating England captain Harry Kane's two goals.
Elsewhere, the experience of John Stones, capped 91 times by his country, should be utilised alongside Marc Guehi in the heart of the defence, allowing the more defensively-assured Ezri Konsa to move across the back four to take on the problematic right-back role.
Rich Morgan
Saka can run at players - Madueke didn't
Declan Rice was a firefighting right-back against the DR Congo, but any call for him to play the entire game there is hugely risky.
At his best, he is one of England's most influential players and you simply cannot play him out of midfield for an entire game, especially when it is one as big as a last-16 match against Mexico in the Azteca.
If Reece James and Jarrell Quansah remain sidelined, I would stick with Spence. He is the next best option in that role, even if he was questionable on Wednesday.
It is also frustrating that England's wingers have not been entirely reliable, dipping in and out from game to game. However, after his two assists for Harry Kane, I'd bring Anthony Gordon back in for Marcus Rashford and give him another chance to stake his claim for a regular starting spot.
Bukayo Saka is my choice on the other side. Noni Madueke did not take on the DR Congo defenders enough, and England will need all the attacking impetus they can get. Saka can provide it.
Charlotte Marsh
No more Spence, Mexico will press him
Declan Rice was superb at right-back against DR Congo but that's a short-term fix, not a medium-term solution.
Against Mexico at the Azteca Stadium, England are already on the back foot facing altitude, so they need as much energy as possible in the middle of the pitch. Rice is that energy. Taking him away from the heartbeat of the team weakens England in two places, instead of one.
But Djed Spence is not the answer. He never has been. He constantly gave the ball away against Congo. He will get gobbled up by the Mexico press.
Assuming Reece James is still out, Ezri Konsa has to play right-back, with John Stones back in defence. As for the left wing, let's keep Anthony Gordon as the super sub option. It will be an arduous task in Mexico City. Tuchel's game-changing subs will be important.
Sam Blitz
Pick your England XI!
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