Declan Rice could be best solution to Thomas Tuchel's right-back issue after cameo in England win over DR Congo

England are through to the last 16 of the World Cup. Nobody will remember that they flirted with disaster in the round of 32 if they go on and lift the trophy. But Thomas Tuchel will be aware of the need for improvement if they are to go the distance.

The England boss has issues to resolve and solutions to find ahead of Monday's tie with Mexico at the Azteca Stadium. Who plays at right-back is chief among them. Remarkably, the position has now been occupied by five players in four World Cup games.

Reece James, Jarell Quansah, Djed Spence, Declan Rice and Ezri Konsa are the five in question. Two of them are now injured in James and Quansah, while the others are makeshift options, none of whom count the role as their natural position.

Trent Alexander-Arnold's omission looms large over England's World Cup campaign but Tuchel can only choose from the players he has selected, so who should he go for against Mexico? On the evidence of his stint there against DR Congo, it might be Rice.

He helped tilt the game in England's favour after moving into the role following Spence's withdrawal for Eberechi Eze in the 70th minute, making the driving run into the DR Congo box that led to the equalising goal and providing some much-needed thrust.

Tuchel felt he also added cohesion alongside two Arsenal team-mates. Speaking after the game, he revealed the idea to move him came from his assistant Anthony Barry.