Tuchel faces right-back crisis as Quansah and James race to be fit for England's DR Congo clash

Thomas Tuchel is confronting a mounting injury crisis at right back as England prepare for their World Cup knockout tie against DR Congo in Atlanta on Wednesday, with both Jarrel Quansah and Reece James in doubt after separate fitness setbacks.

Quansah suffered an ankle twist during England’s win over Panama and is unlikely to be available for the DR Congo match. Tuchel confirmed the Liverpool defender is in pain and has his leg elevated in ice, though he noted it was “a classic ankle twist” and that Quansah himself believes it is “a matter of days” before he can return.

James, who is dealing with a hamstring issue, is also expected to miss the DR Congo game but travelled with the squad to New Jersey and remains hopeful of featuring in later rounds. England could face Mexico in Mexico City in the last 16 on 5 July, and the prospect of James recovering in time for that fixture is seen as a significant boost.

The absences leave Tuchel with limited specialist cover. Tino Livramento withdrew from the squad before the tournament began with an injury, and his replacement Trevoh Chalobah is not a natural right back, though he is capable of filling the role. Ezri Konsa is another option at right back, which would allow John Stones — left out of the starting XI in England’s last two games — to return to central defence.

Tuchel, who has faced criticism for omitting Trent Alexander-Arnold from his squad entirely, acknowledged the position is a serious concern. “Naturally, of course we have another injury in the position,” he said. “It will be a tight race for Reece James and a tight race for Jarrel Quansah, but it is our job to find solutions and we will do.”

The England manager insisted the squad has the flexibility to adapt, but the accumulation of injuries in a single position will test his options as the tournament enters its decisive stage.