Jarell Quansah is fit to face Mexico – but Reece James faces a late fitness test after missing England's final training session ahead of a World Cup Round of 16 tie that Jordan Henderson says "doesn't compare with any game I have been involved in."
Thomas Tuchel confirmed the defensive duo's status after the Three Lions trained at Pumas' 'Quarry' in Mexico City on Saturday afternoon. Quansah, who missed the 2-1 win over DR Congo in Atlanta with an ankle problem sustained in the 2-0 victory over Panama in New Jersey, returned to full training. "You saw that Jarell trained, Jarell trained fully, is fully available," Tuchel said.
“Jarell Quansah fit, Reece James doubtful as England face Mexico in World Cup Round of 16.”
But James, who has missed the past two matches with a hamstring strain picked up in the goalless draw with Ghana in Boston, remains doubtful. "Reece can maybe make it onto the bench, he needs a last assessment from the doctors and medical opinion if this makes sense," the German added. There is hope James could still feature if England overcome the odds and win in Mexico City.
England face co-hosts Mexico in an iconic setting. "It's just an iconic match on a big stage, and we feel it," Tuchel said. "People were very friendly, very respectful, very emotional. Of course, they will support their own team tomorrow. That's absolutely normal." He insisted: "We need a strong performance, and I think we will have that."
Henderson, who has played in Champions League finals, said the magnitude of this game is unmatched. "No, I don't think this game compares with any game that I have been involved in to be honest," he explained. "Yes, I have played a lot of different games in the Champions League but in the World Cup, in Mexico, against Mexico, I don't think anything compares with that."
BBC Sport pundits Thomas Hitzlsperger, Joe Hart and Micah Richards believe the way Mexico play could bring out the best of Tuchel's England side. For Tuchel, the task is clear: guide England into a quarter-final in Miami. Henderson summed up the mood: "I think everybody is just excited and really looking forward to the game and the challenge."