England bruised and James out as Congo DR's opponents wear down

Tuchel's England carry injuries into Mexico after surviving Congo DR

England coach Thomas Tuchel has revealed a key starter is playing through "terrible pain" ahead of their Mexico clash (1). The player was not named, but the admission lands days after England edged past your team in the Round of 32. Tuchel's squad are bruised. The question is whether that offers Mexico a route in or whether England grind through again.

Reece James missed the Congo DR match, Chelsea watching closely

Reece James sat out the Congo DR game, and England survived without him (2). That changes the calculus for Chelsea and Xabi Alonso, who face a workload decision on the right-back. James is racing to be fit for Mexico. If England do not need him, Chelsea may get a fresher player back sooner. Your team pushed England enough that James was not risked. That says something about where Desabre had them.