Reece James, England's first-choice right-back, missed the team's final training session before a World Cup last-16 tie against Mexico, leaving manager Thomas Tuchel to weigh up whether to gamble on his fitness or turn to less experienced options. The Chelsea defender has not played since suffering a hamstring injury in the closing stages of a goalless draw with Ghana, and his absence has left a gap in a position where England are suddenly short of fit alternatives. At the same time, Jarell Quansah, a versatile defender who can play at centre-back or full-back, has returned to full training after his own hamstring issue, easing some of the pressure on Tuchel's selection.
Injuries are a constant threat at any major tournament, but World Cup knockout matches magnify the problem. Managers must balance the risk of rushing a star player back against the need to field a team capable of winning a single-elimination tie. James, 26, has been following an individual recovery programme away from the squad, and Tuchel said he would need a late assessment before deciding whether James could even make the substitutes' bench. The England boss had earlier expressed optimism that James might prove his fitness, but the missed training session made that a long shot.
“Explaining England's right-back injury crisis ahead of World Cup knockout match against Mexico”
Jarell Quansah's return is a significant boost. He had rolled his ankle and pulled up with a hamstring injury in the draw with Panama, forcing him to miss the 2-1 victory over DR Congo in the Round of 32. Djed Spence started at right-back in that match, but when he was taken off, midfielder Declan Rice had to fill in. Rice is himself carrying a hamstring issue, though he is expected to be available against Mexico. The situation shows how quickly defensive options can dwindle in a tournament. England's squad depth at right-back is being tested, and the problem is acute because James is the only specialist right-back in the group who started the tournament as first choice; Spence is a backup, and Quansah is primarily a centre-back who can cover.
For UK readers, this matters because England's World Cup hopes often hinge on key defenders. A team that reaches the knockout stages relies on a settled backline, and any disruption can affect results. The match against Mexico is a do-or-die tie for England, and the Azteca Stadium in Mexico City is an intimidating venue where co-hosts will have passionate support. If James is unavailable, Tuchel must decide whether to start Spence, move Quansah to right-back, or even use Rice there again. Each option carries risks: Spence is less experienced at international level, Quansah is returning from injury, and Rice is a midfielder whose primary strength is in the centre.
The broader context is that tournament football is a test of squad depth. Teams can suffer a cascade of injuries to the same position, as England have at right-back. The ability to adapt — to have players who can fill multiple roles — becomes critical. Quansah's availability gives Tuchel flexibility, but it also highlights the fine margins that define success in international football.
Q: Why did Reece James miss training before the Mexico match? Reece James missed England's final training session because he was still recovering from a hamstring injury he suffered in the goalless draw with Ghana. He has been following an individual programme away from the squad and has not trained fully since the injury.
Q: Is Jarell Quansah fit to play against Mexico? Jarell Quansah returned to full training on Saturday after recovering from a hamstring injury he picked up in the draw with Panama. He is expected to be available for selection for the last-16 tie against Mexico.
Q: Who will play right-back for England if Reece James is out? If Reece James is unavailable, Thomas Tuchel could start Djed Spence, who played right-back against DR Congo, or move Jarell Quansah into that position. Midfielder Declan Rice has also filled in at right-back and is available, though he is carrying a hamstring issue.
The next step for England is the last-16 match against Mexico at the Azteca Stadium on Monday at 01:00 BST. Tuchel will make a late call on James' fitness, and the squad will train again before the game. If James is ruled out, Spence appears the most likely starter, but Quansah's return gives Tuchel a defensive option he lacked against DR Congo. The result will determine whether England advance to the quarter-finals or go home.