England's Azteca test looms as James scan delivers verdict

Azteca awaits on Monday

Your World Cup knockout tie is set. England face Mexico at the Estadio Azteca on Monday in the last 16 (2). A cauldron. Mexico have not conceded a goal in the tournament so far and carry a perfect record into this match (4). Kickoff in Mexico City, with the co-hosts and 80,000 of their own behind them.

James scan comes back, Tuchel has a call to make

Reece James' scan results are in ahead of Monday. The right-back situation has been England's biggest selection headache, with Declan Rice having filled in there already (3). No official word yet on whether James will be available, but the timing is tight.

Guehi: Mexico are favourites

Marc Guehi did not dodge it. "I'd say they're kind of favourites. They're at home, and they know the environment a lot better. They haven't conceded so far and have got a perfect record" (4). He called it a "cauldron" and a "fun test", the kind of honesty fans appreciate before a knockout match.

Shearer names his XI

Alan Shearer has put his preferred England lineup out there for Monday (1). The BBC pundit weighed in on the right-back dilemma and the attacking setup ahead of the Mexico clash. No surprises in the spine he wants, but the full-back call is the one everyone is watching.

Off-field chaos in Mexico

Lightning storms, hotel security concerns, and reports of spying, England's camp in Mexico has been eventful (6). The BBC detailed a list of disruptions the squad has dealt with. None of it is ideal three days before a World Cup knockout match.

Oxlade-Chamberlain extends at Celtic

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain has signed a new one-year deal at Celtic (7). The former England midfielder, now 32, stays in Glasgow for another season.

Fan reactions

Arsenal fans are enjoying the club connection at international level. Declan Rice spoke about how Bukayo Saka and Emile Smith Rowe helped him settle at right-back, calling it "kind of like the connection we have at club, understanding each other's movements." The Gunners faithful on Reddit are all over it, three academy products linking up in a World Cup knockout run is the kind of thing that hits different. Read the thread.