England's right-back crisis deepens as Quansah and James ruled out of DR Congo clash

Thomas Tuchel’s right-back options have been stripped bare for England’s World Cup last-32 match against DR Congo, with Jarell Quansah and Reece James both ruled out through injury. The pair did not take part in training on Tuesday before Wednesday’s game in Atlanta, live on BBC One and iPlayer. Quansah twisted his ankle in England’s 2-0 win over Panama, a match in which he made his World Cup debut after James had already been sidelined with a hamstring injury sustained in the 0-0 draw with Ghana. “They are getting close,” Tuchel said. “In the nature of their injury, Jarell is a little bit ahead of Reece. But the race was close even to make it into the match squad this time.” The manager must now turn to Djed Spence, who replaced Quansah against Panama, or shift Aston Villa’s Ezri Konsa from central defence. Spence, who played on both flanks during the group stage, is the most likely starter. The crisis intensified even before the tournament: Tino Livramento withdrew with a calf issue, and Trevoh Chalobah was called up as a central defensive option rather than a full-back. Trent Alexander-Arnold, overlooked for the squad entirely, has only played once for Tuchel because of injury. Meanwhile, millions of fans are expected to leave work early for the 5pm kick-off, with forecasts of 3.5 million gallons of beer – 28 million pints – consumed during the match. Paddy Power are offering enhanced odds of 50/1 for a goal to be scored. Should England progress, they could face a formidable Mexico side that just dismantled Ecuador 2-0 in Mexico City, delighting 80,000 fans at the Azteca. Julián Quinones and Raul Jimenez scored as Mexico powered into the last-16. The noise level at the stadium can reach 118 decibels – as loud as a jet engine. England’s reward for beating DR Congo would be a date with that roar.