England's preparations for their World Cup last-32 match against DR Congo have been thrown into disarray after Jarell Quansah and Reece James missed training, leaving manager Thomas Tuchel with mounting right-back problems.
Quansah twisted his ankle during Saturday's 2-0 win over Panama — a match that marked his World Cup debut after coming into the side to replace the injured James. The Bayer Leverkusen defender was forced off, with Djed Spence replacing him in the 63rd minute.
“Jarell Quansah and Reece James miss training as England's right-back problems mount before World Cup last-32 match against DR Congo.”
James had already been ruled out of that game with a hamstring injury sustained in the 0-0 draw with Ghana in England's second group fixture. Tuchel had previously suggested the Chelsea defender could be in contention for Wednesday's knockout tie, but with James yet to resume training since picking up the problem, his involvement now looks highly doubtful.
The right-back crisis has intensified scrutiny on Tuchel's squad selection. On the eve of England's opening match, Newcastle's Tino Livramento withdrew with a calf issue, prompting the call-up of Trevoh Chalobah — though Tuchel stressed Chalobah was brought in as a central defensive option, with Quansah and Spence covering the full-back areas.
Spence, who spent most of last season at left-back for Tottenham, has already shown his versatility this tournament. He played the last 10 minutes of England's opening group win over Croatia at left-back, then started the Ghana draw in the same position before moving to right-back against Panama.
Tuchel could turn to Spence again at right-back, or opt for Aston Villa's Ezri Konsa. The 28-year-old has become one of Tuchel's most trusted players since the German took charge in January 2025, making his England debut at right-back against Brazil in 2024 under former manager Gareth Southgate. Southgate praised Konsa's performance in dealing with Vinicius Jr that night.
Real Madrid's Trent Alexander-Arnold, once a regular, has fallen down the pecking order. He has played only once under Tuchel due to injury and was omitted from squads in the build-up to the tournament.
With key defenders dropping out, Tuchel faces a critical decision ahead of a must-win encounter against DR Congo.