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Sports July 2, 2026

Former England International Micah Richards Calls for Arsenal Star's Omission from World Cup Squad

Former England International Micah Richards Calls for Arsenal Star's Omission from World Cup Squad

The upcoming match against Mexico will be a significant challenge for the England team, with many experts weighing in on the changes needed to secure a victory. Former England international Micah Richards believes that manager Gareth Tuchel must make some key adjustments to the lineup.

Richards pointed out that the team has struggled in wide areas, with Marcus Rashford and Noni Madueke failing to deliver in recent games. Madueke, in particular, looked promising in the tournament opener against Croatia but has since failed to replicate that form. Bukayo Saka, England's first-choice right winger, has been limited due to an Achilles injury, but Richards insists that he must be reinstated to the starting lineup against Mexico.

Richards emphasized that if Saka is fit, he has to start, even if he's only at 80 percent capacity. He also suggested that the team needs to sort out the right-back area and decide which wingers to play. The introduction of Gordon on the left-hand side was a positive, but Saka's return would provide much-needed stability to the team.

Another expert, Wayne Rooney, has also weighed in on the team's performance. He believes that Tuchel needs to address the midfield balance, recommending that two pivots be placed in the middle of the pitch to counter the opposition's attacking threats. Rooney highlighted that the team has been vulnerable in the middle of the pitch, leaving large spaces for opponents to exploit.

The upcoming match against Mexico will present a significant test for the England team, with the altitude in Mexico City posing a major disadvantage. England skipper Harry Kane acknowledged that the team will struggle to adapt to the conditions, while manager Tuchel also emphasized that the altitude will be a big disadvantage due to the lack of time to adjust.

Rooney echoed these sentiments, stating that the game against Mexico will be England's toughest challenge yet. He believes that the team's ability to adapt to the altitude will be severely tested, and they will need to find a way to overcome this obstacle to secure a victory.

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