England right-backs Quansah and James out of DR Congo clash as Tuchel faces injury crisis

Thomas Tuchel is scrambling for a solution at right-back after Jarell Quansah and Reece James were both ruled out of England's World Cup last-32 match against DR Congo. The pair missed the final training session in Kansas City before the squad flew to Atlanta for Wednesday's game, live on BBC One. Quansah suffered a twisted ankle in England's 2-0 win over Panama on Saturday, just days after replacing the injured James — who had been sidelined with a hamstring problem sustained in the 0-0 draw with Ghana. Tuchel had initially hoped Quansah might recover in time, but the 24 hours before the match scuppered that. "A classic ankle twist and he is in pain," Tuchel said. "He said he had it before and it is a matter of days. He has his leg up high and in ice." James, the Chelsea defender who arrived as first-choice, was always a long shot. Tuchel now faces a choice between Djed Spence — who replaced Quansah in the Panama game and has played at both full-back positions this tournament — or shifting Ezri Konsa from central defence, where he has become one of the German's most trusted players since taking charge in January 2025. John Stones, who has not started since the group opener, could return to partner Marc Guehi. But Tuchel acknowledged the worry: "Naturally of course we have another injury in the position. It will be a tight race for Reece James and a tight race for Jarell Quansah but it is our job to find solutions and we will do." The FA confirmed both players will follow their own programmes, hoping to be available for a potential last-16 tie. Meanwhile, Declan Rice is set to return in midfield and Bukayo Saka pushing to start, while Tuchel must choose between Anthony Gordon and Marcus Rashford on the left. England topped their group with seven points but have lacked inspiration against lesser opponents, and now face a DR Congo side expected to sit deep — a problem that has proved stubborn so far.