England manager Thomas Tuchel said Reece James remains a doubtful starter in the country’s FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 clash against Mexico at the Estadio Azteca on July 6 (5:30 IST). Tuchel, however, said, defender Jarell Quansah is fit for the match.
The match marks England’s return to the iconic venue where they were handed a 2-1 defeat by Argentina in the FIFA World Cup 1986 quarterfinal, with Diego Maradona scoring a controversial Hand of God goal.
Heading into Monday’s match, England face a stiff challenge as they take on Mexico at the high altitude venue. The venue’s elevation of around 7,220 feet (2,240 metres) above sea level could pose a serious threat to English players, with thinner air reducing oxygen levels and causing the ball to travel faster than at lower-altitude stadiums such as Atlanta, where England defeated DR Congo in the previous round.
Mexico’s record at the venue is also enviable, with the South American side losing only twice in their 89 meetings at the Estadio Azteca since 1966, the last time when England won the World Cup. And the El Tri have been unbeaten in their last 22 competitive games at the venue (16 wins, six draws).
Quansah, who missed England’s 2–1 Round of 32 victory over DR Congo after suffering an ankle injury against Panama in the final group-stage fixture, has recovered in time to rejoin the squad. His return comes as a timely boost for an England defense that has undergone multiple reshuffles during the tournament.
Reece James, however, remains under medical observation after pulling up his hamstring during the group-stage clash against Ghana. The Chelsea captain sat out England’s final training session in Mexico, leaving his availability uncertain.
Speaking ahead of the knockout fixture, Tuchel said, “You saw that Jarell trained, Jarell trained fully, and is fully available. Reece can maybe make it onto the bench; he needs a last assessment from the doctors and a medical opinion if this makes sense.”
While England have dealt with a series of injury setbacks since the group stage, Tuchel insisted his focus remains firmly on the Mexico match.
“It is just an iconic match on a big stage, and we feel it. People were very friendly, very respectful, very emotional. Of course, they will support their own team tomorrow. That is absolutely normal. We had an amazing training facility today. Beautiful environment, very calm, on the highest level. So there is a kind of that. You know about the situation. You spoke about it. But people will take care of what needs to be taken care of. We need a strong performance, and I think we will have That,” he signed off.
