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Their injury leaves DZ Spence as the last right-back standing, although Tuchel could also shift centre-back Egeri Konsa into that position, opening up the possibility of a recall for John Stones.
With Jordan Pickford the mainstay of the goalkeeper, but the defense shaky, Tuchel started with Stones and Konsa in the 4-2 win over Croatia. He then moved on to Consa and Mark Guihy, with the Stones dropping out.
Tuchel has to factor in Stones, 32, starting just five Premier League games before leaving Manchester City at the end of last season, while James made just 20 starts for Chelsea.
The Germans’ apparent fixation with the strategy of selecting versatile defenders who can play on either flank, and central defenders who can fill in at full-back, has left England in a tricky situation.
If England face Brazil and Vinicius Jr in a possible quarter-final in Miami, it is surely a task for a specialist. Tuchel must hope he doesn’t have to cross his fingers when making those optimistic noises about James’ fitness.
Elsewhere, Tuchel also has to decide whether to start Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka against DR Congo. He made his first start at the World Cup against Panama, lasting 63 minutes as the Achilles tendon problem continued.
Speaking to the media in Atlanta, Tuchel said: “We know this is the moment where we have to find a way to win. We have to dig in and play at the highest level.”
He added: “We are favourites. We play against our own expectations. We expect to go further than the round of 32, so why shouldn’t people expect that?”
Tuchel has to make every decision from now on. Like England’s players, mistakes by the head coach cannot be tolerated.
