Tuchel faces right-back crisis as James and Quansah miss England's final World Cup training session

Thomas Tuchel is heading into England’s World Cup last-32 clash against the Democratic Republic of Congo on Wednesday short of defensive options, after both Reece James and Jarell Quansah were absent from the squad’s final training session at Swope Soccer Village in Kansas City.

James had already been sidelined by a hamstring injury sustained before the group stage concluded, with Quansah stepping in as his replacement for the final Group L fixture against Panama. The Liverpool defender then picked up an ankle problem during that match, leaving Tuchel without either player for the knockout opener. England confirmed the absences officially, stating that both defenders were “following their own programmes.”

With neither man available, Tuchel is understood to be weighing up Djed Spence — predominantly a left-back — or Aston Villa centre-half Ezri Konsa as a right-back solution. Neither represents a natural fit for the role, underlining the depth of the problem.

There was better news elsewhere in the squad. Declan Rice returned to full training on Tuesday after being rested for the 2-0 win over Panama that secured top spot in Group L. The Arsenal midfielder had been managing a back issue and nerve pain in his hamstring towards the end of the domestic season, and his participation in Tuesday’s session suggests he is in contention to start.

In attack, Bukayo Saka made his first start of the tournament against Panama after recovering from an Achilles problem, lining up alongside Marcus Rashford. Noni Madueke and Anthony Gordon will be pushing for inclusion, while Eberechi Eze and Morgan Rogers are also in contention for a starting berth.

England’s opponents have already made history simply by reaching this stage. DR Congo qualified for the knockout rounds for the first time in the nation’s history, sealing their place with a 3-1 victory over Uzbekistan on Saturday. The winner of Wednesday’s tie will face either co-hosts Mexico or Ecuador in the round of 16, with the tournament final scheduled for 19 July in New Jersey.