Tuchel confirms Quansah and James nearing return as England face DR Congo in World Cup last 32

Thomas Tuchel has offered cautious optimism over the fitness of Jarrel Quansah and Reece James ahead of England’s FIFA World Cup 2026 round of 32 match against DR Congo at Atlanta Stadium on Wednesday, while confirming Bukayo Saka is fully available after his first start of the tournament.

Quansah rolled his ankle during England’s 2-0 win over Panama in New Jersey on Saturday, having started at right-back. James, meanwhile, sat out that match entirely after picking up a hamstring problem against Ghana. Neither player trained with the squad on Tuesday at England’s base in Kansas City.

“They are getting closer and closer,” Tuchel said of the defensive pair. “Jarell is a little bit ahead of Reecey. The race was close to even make it in the match squad for this time. We need to make sure we have more matches, that is the main focus, and then they will be available very soon.”

With both players unavailable for Wednesday’s fixture, Djed Spence and Ezri Konsa are competing to fill the right-back berth. Konsa’s inclusion would require a reshuffle at centre-back, with John Stones likely to be recalled alongside Marc Guehi.

Tuchel also addressed England’s penalty preparation, confirming the squad has a psychologist in camp — though not specifically for spot-kick work. A penalty order will be prepared in advance but adjusted depending on which players are on the field at the end of extra-time, should it come to that.

The German coach was asked about the eliminations of Germany and the Netherlands on penalties on Monday evening, and said the results served as a grounding reminder rather than a cause for alarm.

“I think it can calm us down in a way,” Tuchel said. “It is narrow margins. In the World Cup, teams are well-drilled, teams are defending on the highest level. It is difficult for teams to break teams down. For me, it almost helps us to calm our mind to accept the situation.”

Should England progress past DR Congo, they would face the winners of Mexico and Ecuador in the round of 16 in Mexico City.