England are heading into their friendly against Mexico with some genuine concerns bubbling under the surface, and it feels like the kind of game where the wrong lineup could turn a quiet debate into a very loud one very quickly.
The right-back position is one of those problems that just refuses to go away. England have been cycling through options for what feels like years now without ever truly settling on someone who looks completely at home in that shirt. It is one of those frustrating situations where nobody is doing anything wrong exactly, but nobody is doing quite enough right either. A decision needs to be made and someone needs to be trusted consistently, because this constant rotation is helping nobody develop confidence in the role.
Then there is the Anthony Gordon question, which is probably the most interesting selection debate right now. Gordon has been in good club form and his supporters would argue he has done everything asked of him when given the chance. His detractors would say the international stage is a different animal entirely and that England have other options who bring more. Both arguments have some merit, which is exactly why it is such a good debate to have over a pint.
The broader concern for England is that they still do not look like a team with a clear identity under the new setup. There is talent all over the pitch, nobody is disputing that, but talent and a functioning team are two very different things. Mexico might not be a world superpower but they are no pushover either and a poor performance will rightly invite serious questions.
What England really need from this game is not just a win but a convincing performance that shows some kind of system and structure starting to take shape. The World Cup in 2026 is not as far away as it might feel right now and the building needs to start in earnest.
So the ball is in your court, England fans. Who would you send out there against Mexico? Let me know your thoughts.