Bukayo Saka, Anthony Gordon and Jarell Quansah to start as England face Mexico
Saka replaces Arsenal team-mate Noni Madueke on the right.
Bukayo Saka, Anthony Gordon and Jarell Quansah returned to the England side as Thomas Tuchel made three changes for the last-16 contest with Mexico at the Estadio Azteca, which was delayed by an hour.
Saka replaces Arsenal team-mate Noni Madueke on the right, with Anthony Gordon rewarded for his two assists against the Democratic Republic of Congo on Wednesday by coming in for Marcus Rashford on the left.
Quansah returns to right-back after he overcame an ankle injury sustained against Panama in the final group game, replacing Djed Spence, who is nursing a muscle injury.
Reece James was named on the bench as his recovery from a hamstring injury steps up.
Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice overcame his troubling hamstring problem that left him in “terrible pain” against DR Congo to start in midfield with Elliot Anderson, who is now a Manchester City player.
Quansah joins Ezri Konsa, Marc Guehi and Nico O’Reilly in making up the back four.
Harry Kane again leads the line as he aims to build on his five goals, with Jude Bellingham playing off him.
Goalkeeper Jordan Pickford equals Peter Shilton’s record for World Cup appearances as he plays his 17th match at a major tournament, coincidentally coming at the stadium where Shilton endured his most chastening hour in an England shirt when Diego Maradona’s ‘Hand of God’ sent Argentina through to the semi-finals of the 1986 World Cup.
Wolves striker Raul Jimenez is the focal point of Mexico’s attack as the hosts try and make the quarter-finals for the first time since 1986.
The game was delayed until 7pm local time, with thunderstorms affecting the local area.
Despite heavy rain and lightning, there was activity on the pitch as groundsmen worked and England staff set up the team’s warm-ups.
But it was soon announced there would be a delay to the game.
Tournament rules say any play, including a warm-up, cannot begin until 30 minutes has passed since lightning was detected within an eight-mile radius.