Thomas Tuchel describes the World Cup knockout stage as 'the third chapter' in a story he hopes ends with England's first trophy since 1966. But after a group phase of 'job done' rather than gripping football, his side now enters sudden-death territory where one slip can bring the tale to a painful end.
England face DR Congo in Atlanta on Wednesday (17:00 BST), live on BBC TV, with warning signs already posted that this is becoming a World Cup of shocks. Tuchel's players will at least be spared the city's brutal heat by the closed roof and temperature control inside the $1.6bn Atlanta Stadium.
“Thomas Tuchel’s injury-hit defence faces DR Congo in the World Cup last 32, with Mexico and a 1am UK kick-off looming.”
The head coach's team selections have mixed tactical tinkering with managing injuries and minutes. One key area stands out as vulnerable: the defence. 'The area of the pitch you want stability in is your goalkeeper and back four,' former England captain Wayne Rooney told BBC Sport. 'With the back four we haven't had that.'
Injuries have exposed Tuchel's defensive options. Newcastle's Tino Livramento was ruled out before the tournament. Chelsea captain Reece James sustained a hamstring injury against Croatia, a problem Tuchel expressed surprise at, though few others were given James's history. His deputy Jarell Quansah then picked up an injury against Panama, leaving England even lighter at right-back.
The defensive gamble is a problem partly of Tuchel's own making, according to the Standard, as he now must navigate knockout matches without a settled back line. Should England overcome DR Congo, a daunting trip to the Azteca Stadium awaits, where Mexico await after a 2-0 win over Ecuador. That result stretched the co-hosts' unbeaten run to four matches, with clean sheets in every game.
The last-16 tie is scheduled for Sunday, July 5 at 6pm local time — 1am Monday in the UK. Mexico City's altitude of more than 2,200 metres would present a gruelling physical obstacle, with thinner air sapping players' energy more quickly. England have played at the Azteca twice at World Cups, both in 1986: a round-of-16 win over Paraguay, then the infamous quarter-final defeat where Diego Maradona scored both the 'Hand of God' goal and his stunning solo effort.
Tuchel cannot afford any mistakes now. 'Chapter Two' was satisfactory rather than gripping — wins against Croatia and Panama either side of a dismal goalless draw with Ghana. Now the story enters its most dangerous phase, with a depleted defence and elite opponents licking their lips.