World Cup 2026: Jarell Quansah and Reece James miss training as England right-back problems mount
Jarell Quansah and Reece James missed training as England’s right-back issues mount before their World Cup last-32 match against DR Congo on Wednesday.
Quansah came off with a twisted ankle in England’s 2-0 win over Panama in their final group game on Saturday, with Djed Spence coming on to replace the Bayer Leverkusen defender.
The former Liverpool player had come into the side for his World Cup debut after Chelsea defender James was ruled out with a hamstring injury sustained in the 0-0 draw with Ghana in England’s second group game.
England manager Thomas Tuchel has previously said James could be in contention for the DR Congo match, but given he is yet to resume training since picking up his injury, his involvement looks doubtful.
The injuries at right-back have put scrutiny on Tuchel’s squad selection for this tournament with some questioning whether the make-up of the squad is balanced.
On the eve of England’s first game of the tournament, Newcastle full-back Tino Livramento withdrew from the squad with a calf issue, with Trevoh Chalobah called up in his place.
Tuchel said Chalobah was called up as a central defensive option, with Quansah and Spence the players to cover the full-back areas.
