A late double from captain Harry Kane snatched a 2-1 Round of 32 win over DR Congo in yet another unconvincing display from Thomas Tuchel's team in the USA.
Tuchel was forced to start Djed Spence at right-back, with the Tottenham star making his only previous appearance at the World Cup on the opposite flank, and his regular position for Spurs is off the left.
Reece James and Jarell Quansah are both expected to miss out and Mexico and Declan Rice is uncertain over starting in the position at the Azteca after covering there in the final stages against DR Congo.
The fitness issues for James have revived a persistent question over Tuchel's wider squad picks after he opted against including Trent Alexander-Arnold with Kyle Walker retired from international football.
Former captain Wayne Rooney has reiterated his point over a mistake being made with England missing 96-cap Walker.
"The minute (Tino) Livramento got injured and had to pull out, I think he should have been on the phone to Kyle Walker.
"Kyle is still more than good enough and capable to play in this England team. I would have picked up the phone and said 'Listen, we need you here, can you come out and help. That's really cost us."
Rice could be asked to fill in once again, or potentially Ezri Konsa, with John Stones coming back into central defence.