Former England goalkeeper David James has called for Kobbie Mainoo to be unleashed as a wildcard in the World Cup quarter-final against Mexico at the Azteca. In his exclusive column for Metro, James reflected on England's comeback win over DR Congo and the key selection decisions facing Thomas Tuchel.
Mainoo remains unused but fresh
Mainoo is the only outfield player in England's squad yet to feature at the tournament. James questioned why Tuchel has not used him but believes the Manchester United midfielder could be the surprise package. 'Mexico may not know too much about him in an England setting, they won't have much of a World Cup database on him,' James wrote. 'If Tuchel is trying to solve this first-half problem, perhaps Mainoo is the one who can unlock things.'
Mainoo missed the first half of the season at United, making him relatively fresh. James added: 'He is fresh. Mainoo could be the card up Tuchel's sleeve.'
Declan Rice at right-back? Spence preferred
James noted that Declan Rice's move to right-back in the second half against DR Congo worked well, but he prefers Djed Spence for the Mexico clash. 'From what I've seen of them, they are a quick team. Julian Quinones is one of the quickest players in the competition, hitting a top speed of 36kph. Spence is at 35kph, James is 34.4kph and Rice is 32kph. Spence's pace will be key,' James said.
He added that if Reece James is not fit, Spence's speed is crucial even in a covering role.
England's first-half struggles and clean sheet record
England have not won a first half in any game so far, but James is not panicking. 'We are equipped to dominate and win second halves. That is where Tuchel relies on Kane and knows he will get his moments late on,' he said. The team's self-belief is encouraging, despite the lack of clean sheets. 'The need to keep clean sheets doesn't seem to be the highest of priorities because they believe they have the firepower to score.'
Mexico have not conceded a goal in the tournament, but James sees that as a potential weakness. 'No one knows how they will react if they concede. If England score, I want to see what they do.'
Jordan Pickford not to blame for DR Congo goal
James defended Pickford after criticism for Brian Cipenga's goal. 'There was a wicked dip on the shot and Djed Spence was diving across. It is such a difficult thing for goalkeepers to deal with. I don't think it was a mistake, it was a tremendous shot.'
Wide issues persist
James noted that England's wide players—Marcus Rashford, Bukayo Saka, Anthony Gordon, and Noni Madueke—have not clicked from the start. 'It seems the substitutions are the influence as opposed to being in a winning position. I think Rashford looks better coming off the bench.' He trusts Tuchel to handle difficult conversations with players.
