Former England captain Alan Shearer told BBC Sport after the win: “There were too many holes in the back four and when we did give chances they scored the first goal when they should have scored through Ioan Vissa.”
“Putting Declan Rice at right-back worked because he was the one who came forward and played his part in the equaliser, so Tuchel has a decision to make.
“If you had asked me before the game I would have been very reluctant, but he can add a bit of quality where we have been lacking in the players we have brought in now.”
However, Rice certainly offers too many options in midfield, so the right-back should not be in the starting lineup. If he did end up there again, it would be an admission by Tuchel that he had misunderstood his team horribly.
Asked whether Rice should play at right-back, former England defender Micah Richards said: “No, I wouldn’t. I feel he can give too much in that central midfield. If you’re going to play Mexico, which is going to be high, you’re going to need his energy in midfield.”
“I would pick Ezri Konsa at right-back and put John Stones next to Marc Guehi. This is the best balance for the team.”
Stones remained on the sidelines for the opening win over Croatia. His experience could prove invaluable in the Aztecs’ hothouse, especially after Konsa and Guehi went missing in Brian Chipenga’s goal.
Former England captain Wayne Rooney added: “I’m very concerned about this. Particularly when England lose the ball they become so exposed.”
“I think that against a stronger team we will have big problems if we don’t sort out the situation. We’re so open in midfield.”
Add to this the constant changes on the flanks and Tuchel still has serious questions about his starting XI.