Chelsea right-back Reece James is reportedly still struggling with an injury, casting doubt over his availability for England’s crucial World Cup Round of 16 encounter against Mexico. The defender will miss the team’s final training session before the match, raising major concerns within Gareth Southgate’s camp.

The Three Lions are gearing up to face the in-form co-hosts in challenging conditions on Monday. The match will be played at a high-altitude venue, and there were even discussions about adjusting the kick-off time due to fears of potential storms.

England manager Thomas Tuchel is facing a tough selection dilemma at right-back once again. According to reports from The Times, the signs regarding James’s recovery remain discouraging, as he has not been cleared to train alongside his teammates ahead of the Mexico fixture.

This situation could see Djed Spence getting another start in that position, although Ezri Konsa is also being considered as a possible alternative.

The timing of the game poses a challenge for fans in the United Kingdom, with kick-off scheduled for 1am BST. In light of the late start, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has confirmed that pubs will be permitted to stay open longer for this special occasion. However, it remains uncertain what impact this decision might have.

Authorities are expected to deploy additional police during the night to ensure public safety, while concerns have been raised about children staying up late to watch the match and missing school the following day.

Despite these logistical issues, the excitement surrounding the World Cup remains high. This is a pivotal match for England as they aim to progress to the quarter-finals against a formidable opponent.

Mexico head into the contest in top form, having won all four of their matches in the tournament so far without conceding a single goal. Their defensive solidity and attacking rhythm mean England will need to be at their absolute best to advance.