England’s preparations for their World Cup last-32 clash against DR Congo have been disrupted by the absence of both Jarell Quansah and Reece James from training sessions.
Quansah sustained a twisted ankle during England’s 2-0 victory over Panama in their final group stage match on Saturday, forcing him off before the final whistle.
Djed Spence came on to replace the Bayer Leverkusen defender, stepping into a position that has caused Thomas Tuchel considerable concern throughout the tournament.
Quansah had only entered the starting line-up in the first place because Chelsea’s Reece James was already sidelined with a hamstring injury.
James picked up that hamstring problem during England’s 0-0 draw with Ghana, their second group game, and has not returned to training since.
Tuchel had previously suggested James could be in contention to face DR Congo on Wednesday, but his continued absence from the training pitch makes that prospect appear increasingly unlikely.
The mounting injury problems at right-back have placed the spotlight firmly on Tuchel’s squad selection decisions heading into this tournament, with questions raised about the balance of the group.
England’s right-back difficulties were compounded before the tournament had even started, when Newcastle full-back Tino Livramento withdrew from the squad with a calf issue on the eve of their opening game.
Trevoh Chalobah was called up as a replacement, though Tuchel clarified that Chalobah was brought in as a central defensive option rather than a right-back cover.
Spence remains one of Tuchel’s available options at right-back, despite the 25-year-old primarily operating as a left-back during his time at club side Tottenham last season.
Spence played the last 10 minutes of England’s opening group win over Croatia at left-back before starting the Ghana draw in the same position, then shifting to right-back in the 63rd minute against Panama.
Aston Villa’s Ezri Konsa is another option available to Tuchel, and the 28-year-old has become one of the manager’s most trusted players since the German took charge in January 2025.
Konsa made his England debut at right-back against Brazil in 2024, with then-manager Gareth Southgate praising his performance in dealing with Vinicius Jr. that day.
Real Madrid’s Trent Alexander-Arnold has slipped down the England pecking order and was not selected for squads in the build-up to this tournament, having only played once under Tuchel due to injury.
England will need Tuchel to find a workable solution at right-back swiftly, with Wednesday’s last-32 tie against DR Congo now fast approaching and options looking increasingly thin.
