REECE JAMES AND JARELL QUANSAH MISSED TRAINING AHEAD OF ENGLAND’S LAST 32 CLASH WITH DR CONGO

Quansah suffered a twisted ankle during England’s 2–0 victory over Panama in their final group-stage match on Saturday and was forced off, with Djed Spence replacing him. The defender had earned his World Cup debut after Reece James was ruled out with a hamstring injury picked up in England’s goalless draw against Ghana.

England manager Thomas Tuchel had earlier suggested James could return in time for the knockout tie, but with the Chelsea defender yet to resume training, his chances of featuring appear increasingly uncertain.

The injury problems have also raised questions about the balance of Tuchel’s squad selection for the tournament, particularly in the right-back position.

Before England’s opening match, Newcastle full-back Tino Livramento withdrew from the squad because of a calf injury, leading to Trevoh Chalobah being called up as his replacement.

Tuchel explained that Chalobah was added mainly as a central defensive option, leaving Quansah and Spence as the available cover in the full-back areas.

Spence has already shown his versatility during the tournament. He came on at left-back late in England’s opening victory over Croatia and then started in the same position against Ghana before switching to right-back after Quansah’s injury.

For the match against DR Congo, Tuchel may again deploy Spence on the right or turn to Aston Villa defender Ezri Konsa.

Konsa has become one of Tuchel’s most dependable players and has been a regular starter since the German took charge in January 2025.

The 28-year-old previously made his England debut at right-back against Brazil in 2024, earning praise from former manager Gareth Southgate for his display against Vinicius Jr.

Meanwhile, Real Madrid defender Trent Alexander-Arnold remains out of favour in the national team setup. Injuries have limited his opportunities under Tuchel, and he was not included in England’s squads leading up to the World Cup.