England manager Thomas Tuchel is grappling with a defensive selection headache ahead of Wednesday’s World Cup last-32 clash against the Democratic Republic of Congo, as both Jarell Quansah and Reece James were absent from the squad’s final training session.
Quansah had stepped in for Chelsea defender James, who sustained a hamstring injury, during the final Group L fixture against Panama. However, Quansah himself was forced off with an ankle issue during that match.
With both defenders following individual rehabilitation programmes and unlikely to feature in the knockout opener, Tuchel is considering Djed Spence, typically a left-back, or Aston Villa centre-half Ezri Konsa for the right-back slot.
In more encouraging news for the Three Lions, Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice participated in Tuesday’s session at England’s Kansas City training base.
Rice had been rested for the 2-0 victory over Panama, which secured top spot in the group, as he manages a workload that included a back issue and nerve pain in his hamstring towards the end of the domestic season.
An official statement from England’s X account confirmed the absences: “All England squad members are out training at Swope Soccer Village this morning apart from Reece James and Jarell Quansah who are following their own programmes.”
Tuchel also faces decisions regarding his wide attacking options. Bukayo Saka, who has been recovering from an Achilles problem, made his first start of the tournament against Panama alongside Marcus Rashford.
Noni Madueke and Anthony Gordon will be eager for another opportunity to impress at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium, while Eberechi Eze or Morgan Rogers remain potential contenders for a starting berth.
England will be facing a DR Congo side that has created history by reaching the knockout stages for the first time in the nation’s history.
DR Congo secured their place in the last-32 by beating Uzbekistan 3-1 on Saturday, and they will be aiming to pull off a huge upset against Tuchel’s side.
The winner of Wednesday’s match will face either co-hosts Mexico or Ecuador in the round of 16 as the World Cup moves towards what promises to be a thrilling climax in New Jersey on 19 July.
About the Author
