Tuchel fears deepening right-back crisis as Quansah and James both doubt for England's last-32 tie

Jarell Quansah is a serious doubt for England’s World Cup last-32 tie in Atlanta after sustaining an ankle injury during the 2-0 victory over Panama, with Thomas Tuchel admitting his right-back options are dwindling at a critical stage of the tournament.

Quansah, a centre-back by trade who was pressed into right-back duty, lasted an hour before being replaced by Djed Spence. Tuchel confirmed the 21-year-old is in pain but suggested the injury is not a new one. “He has suffered a classic ankle twist and he is in pain,” the England head coach said. “He said he had it before and it is a matter of days. He has his leg up high and in ice.”

The former Liverpool defender joins Reece James — also very doubtful for the 1 July last-32 fixture — and Tino Livramento, who has already been ruled out of the tournament entirely, in an increasingly threadbare right-back department. “Of course we have another injury in the position,” Tuchel acknowledged. “It will be a tight race for Reece James and a very tight race for Jarell Quansah, but it is our job to find solutions and we will do.”

Despite the injury concerns, England’s performance against Panama provided genuine cause for optimism. Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham scored within seven minutes of each other to seal the win, with Tuchel singling out both for praise. “Huge impact, especially in the second half — that is what we need, what we want,” he said. “That is why we picked them. They make us dangerous.”

Kane’s goal was his 11th in World Cup football, surpassing Gary Lineker’s long-standing England record. Tuchel said he was unaware of the milestone until post-match interviews but was quick to celebrate it. “Everyone is very happy for Harry because he is a fantastic teammate and that makes him very special — he is loved and respected by everyone,” he said. “It is fantastic he has the chance to break the record in World Cups. Harry is in an amazing state of mind. He is hungry to go all the way and he is not satisfied, which shows the hunger and determination.”