Former England boss Sam Allardyce has highlighted a major flaw in Thomas Tuchel’s thinking as the Three Lions prepare to face Mexico on Monday.
Speaking to GB News, the veteran manager expressed concern over defensive vulnerabilities ahead of the crucial game.
England fans endured a nail-biting contest against the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), who stunned the Three Lions with a 1-0 lead for much of the game before heroics from captain Harry Kane.
“The team is shaky defensively,” Allardyce said, admitting he had not expected England to struggle at the back under Tuchel.
“They've got a problem at right-back, which I think is a bigger problem than we've had in recent tournaments.”
Injuries to Reece James and Jarell Quansah left Tuchel’s backline threadbare against the African nation.
To that end, Allardyce said his main criticism of Tuchel was that he left experienced internationals out of the squad.
“If I had to criticise Thomas for anything from a football point of view, it would just be squad selection,” the ex-England boss said.
Sam Allardyce has highlighted a major flaw in Thomas Tuchel’s England plans
|GB NEWS
“I think he left a huge amount of experience – people like Luke Shaw, Harry Maguire and Trent Alexander-Arnold.
“Harry Maguire took Man United from 15th to third. Luke Shaw played nearly every game last season.
“Trent Alexander-Arnold has been playing for Real Madrid, getting even more international experience.
“They're hugely, massively experienced England players,” he insisted.
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Tuchel's team selection for his back line faced critcism from th ex-England boss
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Allardyce also heaped praise on Harry Kane, branding him the “the king”.
However, the veteran manager insisted that other players had to raise their levels.
“We need others to step up,” he said.
“Particularly defensively, we need to be locked out and make sure when we finish the 90 minutes, we haven't conceded a goal.”
Harry Kane's double saw England overcome DR Congo 2-1 | REUTERSAllardyce stressed that a solid defensive display would be the key to victory against Mexico.
“I think that's going to be very, very important because then we would probably win that game 1-0.”
The Three Lions are set to face Mexico at the infamous Azteca Stadium at 1am UK time.
England fans continue to be left in limbo as talks over the kick-off time remain ongoing due to bad weather, following a dramatic back-and-forth last night.