Thomas Tuchel has left England in a spot of bother with no recognised right-back available for potentially the remainder of the World Cup.
Tino Livramento and Reece James were the only natural options included in the squad, who missed 36 and 14 games respectively due to injuries last season.
Bizarrely, Tuchel opted to call Trevoh Chalobah into the squad to replace Livramento, despite the Chelsea star being a central defender and not a right-back.
The German was only able to do that as Livramento was ruled out before England played their first match against Croatia, but FIFA rules state that no replacement can be summoned for James after his hamstring injury.
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England can only call up a new goalkeeper at this stage of the World Cup
FIFA only allow changes to be made to a World Cup squad in two instances.
Firstly, an amendment can be made up to 24 hours before a nation plays their first game in the event of a serious injury or illness, which is why Livramento was allowed to be swapped for Chalobah. The Newcastle defender suffered an injury in training the day before the 4-2 win over Croatia.
Now – however – at this stage of the World Cup, the only change Tuchel is able to make is in the goalkeeping department.
FIFA rules stipulate that a goalkeeper can be changed at any time if they sustain a serious injury or illness, as there must be at least three goalkeepers in a World Cup squad.
Unfortunately, this means Tuchel is most likely going to have to use a central defender at right-back, such as Ezri Konsa or Jarell Quansah.
Djed Spence can also play there, although Tuchel – who was livid with the former Nottingham Forest man against Ghana – has preferred to use the Tottenham No.24 on the left of his backline so far.
It is a crying shame that someone as talented as Trent Alexander-Arnold can no longer be included in the squad, a player who would have been quite handy to have with his immense crossing ability, considering how often England resorted to dumping the ball into the box during the 0-0 draw against Ghana.
Only time will tell whether Tuchel’s selections will be justified, but at this moment in time, the former Chelsea and PSG boss appears to have made a real mess of his choices in defence.
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