Thomas Tuchel has admitted he is "worried" about England's right-back situation after Jarell Quansah became the latest player in that position to limp off injured during a World Cup group match against Panama. The Bayer Leverkusen defender started at right-back in place of the injured Reece James in England's 2-0 win in New Jersey, but he went off in the second half after twisting his ankle and was replaced by Djed Spence. Quansah's injury adds to a growing crisis: James is a major doubt with a hamstring problem, and Tino Livramento was forced to leave the squad with a calf issue before playing a minute. That leaves Spence as the only natural right-back left, though he has been used more on the left. Centre-back Ezri Konsa has started all three group games at centre-back but could be shifted, and Tuchel also called up centre-back Trevoh Chalobah when Livramento withdrew rather than a specialist right-back like Trent Alexander-Arnold.
The problems began before the tournament. Tuchel selected James and Livramento, both with injury histories. When Livramento pulled out, Tuchel called up Chalobah, freeing up Quansah to play right-back. Quansah, normally a centre-back, had played there for Liverpool but was described by former England defender Gary Neville as not an option for deeper tournament stages. Neville criticised the decision not to bring Alexander-Arnold, calling him "world class quality". Tuchel had said after James's injury that he would find solutions, and Quansah appeared to be his preferred stopgap.
“England's right-back crisis at the World Cup explained, with injuries to Reece James, Tino Livramento, and Jarell Quansah.”
For England fans, the timing could not be worse. England topped Group L and now face a round-of-32 tie in Atlanta on Wednesday (17:00 BST) against a yet-unknown opponent. With Quansah injured and James unlikely to be fit, England may have to field a makeshift right-back. Spence is the only natural fit, but he has played more on the left. Konsa or Chalobah could be deployed out of position. This crisis threatens England's defensive stability in the knockout stages, and supporters will be anxiously waiting for injury updates.
Q: Who are England's injured right-backs at the 2026 World Cup? Three right-backs have been affected: Reece James (hamstring), Tino Livramento (calf, left squad), and Jarell Quansah (ankle twist in the Panama match).
Q: Who can play right-back for England now? Djed Spence is the only natural right-back still fit. Ezri Konsa, a centre-back who has started all three group games, could be shifted, and Trevoh Chalobah, also a centre-back, was called up as cover.
Q: Why wasn't Trent Alexander-Arnold called up? Tuchel chose to replace Livramento with centre-back Trevoh Chalobah instead of a specialist right-back. Former England defender Gary Neville criticised the decision, saying Alexander-Arnold has "world class quality".
What happens next: Tuchel must assess Quansah's injury severity. Quansah said it is "a matter of days", but the next match is in four days. James is also in a "tight race" to be fit. Spence is likely to start if neither recovers. England's round-of-32 opponent is TBD after the group stage concludes. Tuchel said: "It is our job to find solutions and we will do."