England's right-back problems have deepened ahead of their World Cup last-32 tie against the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) on Wednesday, with Jarell Quansah likely to miss out due to an ankle injury. The 23-year-old Bayer Leverkusen defender was forced off during the second half of England's 2-0 win over Panama on Saturday after twisting his ankle, cutting short his World Cup debut.
Injury crisis mounts
Thomas Tuchel's plans have been severely disrupted by a series of right-back injuries. Tino Livramento left the camp earlier this month with a calf injury, and Reece James tweaked a hamstring last week. James, who started England's first two Group L matches, missed the Panama game, is unavailable against the DRC, and is increasingly unlikely to return for a potential last-16 match against Mexico or Ecuador in Mexico City on the following Sunday.
Tuchel replaced James with Quansah against Panama, but the defender's injury has left his participation against the DRC in doubt. While Tuchel expressed optimism about Quansah's recovery, sources indicate the last-32 clash may come too soon.
Spence likely to start
With Quansah and James expected to be sidelined, Djed Spence is likely to start at right-back. Tuchel has been impressed by the versatile Tottenham defender, who featured in all three group-stage matches as England topped their group with seven points. An alternative option would be to shift Ezri Konsa to right-back and pair John Stones with Marc Guéhi in central defence.
Stones has played only five times for Manchester City during the second half of last season and has not featured for England since their 4-2 win against Croatia in their opening match. When asked if Stones was ready to start against the DRC, Tuchel said: "Yeah, for sure. Why not? He was even in consideration to start [against Panama] but then it would have been the third change in the central defence in the third match, and I thought I'd stick with the pair because I saw them good against Ghana – and I saw them good against Panama."
Bellingham shines
Tuchel expressed confidence that Jude Bellingham has fully embraced his approach and can continue to make a difference at the World Cup. The Real Madrid midfielder starred in the 2-0 victory against Panama, scoring the opening goal – his second of the tournament – and providing an assist for Harry Kane. Bellingham, who earned his 51st cap, played in a slightly deeper role on Saturday as Morgan Rogers started alongside his childhood friend for the third time under Tuchel.
"He was very positive from the first day in camp. He buys fully into all the things we demand as a team player, and then he brings his own individual quality to decide football games," Tuchel said. "That's what you see in World Cups now, and what you see from other teams and other big players. We have it in him and he's a key player … So well done until now. He needs to keep going."
Team selection and adaptability
England have returned to their base in Kansas City to prepare for the meeting with the DRC. Marcus Rashford is expected to retain his place in attack after a positive performance on the left. Tuchel declined to confirm whether he now knows his best team, emphasising the importance of adaptability.
"I know my starting 15," he said. "And from there I build and I see the energy on the training pitch and I see what the output is from match to match. Then we see what the opponent brings and how we need to react. But I see good performances and detail out there against very physical opponents, and I think we will find solutions when they are needed."
"With a new stage of the tournament, it starts new again. It's knockout football. It brings its very own tension, its very own dynamics. We'll prepare for that and be ready for it."
