Today at the World Cup: Right back-worries, Mendy's jet-lag, cranky Pochettino

England’s Djed Spence during the FIFA World Cup Group L match at New York New Jersey Stadium. Pic: Nick Potts/PA Wire.

England v DR Congo, Atlanta (Today, 5pm)

The right-back conundrum

First, it was England’s left-back issues as Djed Spence struggled in the position in the 0-0 draw with Ghana.

Now, however, the Three Lions have problems at right-back. Reece James is sidelined with a hamstring problem. 

Jarrel Quansah is expected to miss the DR Congo showdown having been forced off in the group stage 2-0 win over Panama with an ankle issue.

Suddenly, England have gone from an abundance of right-backs to … well, one stand out deputy. 

Spence should start in the role against DR Congo with Nico O’Reilly at left-back. 

Some have even suggested using a midfielder at right-back in order to help dominate against the African nation. Declan Rice in defence anyone? We’ll pass on that.

The only other option for Thomas Tuchel is Trevoh Chalobah at right-back, the Chelsea man having come into the squad following Tino Livramento’s withdrawal. 

With Chalobah, though, England would lose a key attacking component down the right. 

DR Congo have the third lowest possession average (29.9%) at the World Cup. 

Tuchel needs his strongest available full-back option in order to break the Leopards down.

Belgium v Senegal, Seattle(Tonight, 9pm).

Jet-lagged Edouard Mendy? 

When available, Edouard Mendy is Senegal’s first choice goalkeeper. The former Chelsea man is one of the best in the game when fit and firing. 

However, Mendy was forced off midway through the second half of Senegal’s eventual 3-2 defeat to Norway with a knee problem.

Unsurprisingly, he missed the 5-0 win over Iraq that secured Senegal’s spot in the round-of-32 with Mory Diaw deputising well. 

And Mendy, rather than having the issue assessed in North America, jetted back to Saudi Arabia to have his left knee checked by club side Al-Ahli. 

As such, the 34-year-old’s participation in the round-of-32 showdown with Belgium is in serious doubt as the Lions of Teranga look to claim a European scalp and book a last-16 spot.

USA v Bosnia and Herzegovina,San Francisco (Tomorrow, 1am)

How do USA respond to Turkey loss? 

Mauricio Pochettino (pictured) is usually such a cool character. The Argentine won’t be one to flap in the face of adversity. 

However, following USA’s late 3-2 defeat to Turkey, he took aim at journalists in the post-match press conference.

“It cannot be possible that Turkey celebrate three points, and Australia and Paraguay celebrate qualification, and for you not to say ‘congratulations’ that we won the group,” the former Tottenham, PSG and Chelsea boss said.

It does raise concerns for how the Stars and Stripes will handle the pressure that comes with playing a hometown knockout clash. 

USA take on Bosnia and Herzegovina with a place in the last-16 at stake. 

Admittedly, Pochettino made sweeping changes for the defeat to Turkey, safe in the knowledge that top spot was already secured. Folarin Balogun, Tyler Adams and Chris Richards are all expected to return to the starting XI. Christian Pulisic is available for selection again, too.

However, Pochettino looked a tad rattled. 

How this translates to an under-pressure squad could determine whether there is another World Cup upset in the early hours of tomorrow morning.