England's Right-Back Crisis Deepens Ahead of World Cup Last-32 Clash
Quick Look
- England's right-back options are dwindling before their World Cup last-32 match against DR Congo.
- Jarell Quansah and Reece James missed training due to injuries, adding to concerns over squad selection.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
England's right-back options are diminishing due to injuries to Jarell Quansah and Reece James ahead of their World Cup match against DR Congo. This raises questions about squad selection.
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.
Open Questions
- Will James or Quansah be fit for the match?
- How will Tuchel adapt the defense?
- Is the squad selection balanced?
