Thomas Tuchel’s right-back concerns deepened on Saturday night as Jarell Quansah became the third England full-back to succumb to injury since the squad landed in the United States for the World Cup. The Bayer Leverkusen defender, who started England’s final Group L fixture against Panama at the MetLife Stadium, hobbled off in the second half after rolling his ankle — the latest casualty in a position that has already claimed Tino Livramento and Reece James.
Quansah had been drafted in because James, the Chelsea captain, was unavailable. Now England’s right-back ranks have been thinned to such an extent that Tuchel admitted he is “naturally” worried. But the German coach, speaking after England’s 2-0 win, sought to reassure: “A classic ankle twist and he is in pain. He said he had it before and it is a matter of days. He has his leg up high and in ice.”
“Jarell Quansah becomes third England right-back injured at World Cup after rolling ankle against Panama.”
The injury is believed to be a twist rather than anything muscular, a distinction Tuchel was careful to make. Quansah was later seen walking freely as he left the MetLife to board the team bus, suggesting the problem may not be severe. Despite that, the pattern is troubling. Three right-backs have now broken down since England set up camp in the USA, and Tuchel acknowledged the strain it places on the squad ahead of the knockout phase.
“Naturally of course, we have another injury in the position,” he said. England finished top of Group L with the victory, but the celebration was tempered by another fitness setback. With the last-32 tie confirmed, Tuchel must now decide whether to risk Quansah or look to other options. The defender’s prognosis of “a matter of days” offers hope, but England’s right-back curse shows no sign of lifting.