Tuchel addresses injury concerns ahead of England's knockout match

England faces somewhat of an injury crisis with both Reece James and Jarell Quansah ruled out of their upcoming knockout game against DR Congo, forcing Thomas Tuchel to find an emergency solution at right back

Thomas Tuchel is confident of coping without Reece James and Jarell Quansah after England’s main right-back options were ruled out of the World Cup knock-out clash against the Democratic Republic of Congo. Having lost versatile full-back Tino Livramento to a calf issue ahead of their Group L opener, the team has been hit by injuries to their first-choice right-back and his back-up over the last week.

Thomas Tuchel has updated on the injuries suffered by Reece James and Jarrel Quansah, as England near their first World Cup knockout tie.The Three Lions will take on DR Congo in Atlanta in the Round o...

Thomas Tuchel says he is worried about England's right-back crisis before their World Cup last-32 tie after Jarell Quansah became the latest in the position to suffer injury. Quansah started in place of the injured Reece James in the 2-0 win over Panama in New Jersey, that clinched top spot in Group L, but limped off in the second half and went straight down the tunnel for treatment. James is a major doubt for the game with a hamstring injury and, with Newcastle United full-back Tino Livramento being forced to leave the squad with a calf issue, Tuchel's only options at right-back appear to be Djed Spence of Tottenham and Aston Villa's Ezri Konsa, who has started all three of England's games at centre-back.

Djed Spence expected to start with Reece James out Tuchel says Bellingham is on board as ‘team player’ Declan Rice will give England a boost by returning for the last-32 tie against the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) on Wednesday but Jarell Quansah is likely to add to Thomas Tuchel’s worries at right-back by missing out with an ankle injury. Tuchel’s plans were complicated by Tino Livramento leaving the camp with a calf injury this month and the head coach was given another headache when Reece James tweaked a hamstring last week. James, who started England’s first two games in Group L, missed last Saturday’s win over Panama, is unavailable against the DRC and is increasingly unlikely to be back for a possible last-16 tie against either Mexico or Ecuador in Mexico City the following Sunday. Continue reading...

Thomas Tuchel admits he is worried about England’s right-back situation heading into the World Cup knockout phase after Reece James’ replacement Jarell Quansah limped off against Panama. Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane struck in Saturday’s 2-0 victory against the already-eliminated central American side at MetLife Stadium, setting up a round of 32 tie against the Democratic Republic of Congo in Atlanta on Wednesday.