England will be without Reece James and Jarrell Quansah when they face the Democratic Republic of the Congo in the knockout stages, but both could return for the World Cup last-16 tie against Thailand if the Three Lions progress.
Thomas Tuchel deals with a growing injury list ahead of the World Cup final (Image: AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)
Manager Thomas Tuchel will have to use an urgent right-back plan for England’s match against the Democratic Republic of the Congo, which has secured a place in the World Cup finals. Reece James and Jarrell Quansah missed England’s final training session in Kansas City before heading to Atlanta.
James was always expected to be absent, but Tuchel had hoped that Quansah might be available, but those hopes evaporated in the past 24 hours after he failed to recover from the ankle injury he sustained against Panama.
The FA has confirmed that James and Quansah, who has a hamstring problem, will each follow their own programmes, but both hope to be in contention for a place in the last 16 if England progress.
That means Jed Spence will start at right-back unless Tuchel decides to move Ezri Konsa into that position and John Stones returns to partner Marc Guehy.
However, Stones has not started since the group opener against Croatia, looking rusty after spending most of his season on the sidelines with Manchester City.
“It’s a typical ankle sprain and he’s feeling pain,” Tuchel said of Quansah’s injury. “He said he’s had it before, but it’s just a matter of a few days. His leg is up high and in the ice.
“Obviously (we’re concerned about the right-back situation), we have another injury in this position. It’s going to be tough for Reece James, it’s going to be tough for Jarrell Quansah, but it’s our job to find a solution and that’s what we’re going to do.”
Reece James entered the World Cup as England’s first-choice right-back (Image: Nicolò Campo/LightRocket)
Declan Rice returns to midfield and Bukayo Saka will aim to start, while Tuchel must decide between Anthony Gordon and Marcus Rashford on the left wing.
England are under pressure to add to their lead despite picking up seven points from nine on their way to top of the group. Despite defeating Croatia in the opening game and producing an inspired performance in the second half, Tuchel’s side lacked inspiration against two lower-ranked opponents.
If they face the Democratic Republic of Congo, the Three Lions will likely be tasked with breaking down the defense, which has been a problem in previous World Cups. A lot will depend on who they use in the attacking positions and how they perform in the final third.
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