World Cup

Tuchel faces problems in the right-back position after Quansah's injury

England coach Thomas Tuchel is having difficulty finding personnel at the right-back position after Jarell Quansah was injured in the match against Panama.

Jun 29, 2026, 12:33 PMPablo Morales6 lượt xem

England coach Thomas Tuchel is very worried about his options at right-back after Jarell Quansah's injury. Reece James' injury meant that the Chelsea full-back, who Tuchel trusted the most in this position, was unable to play in England's win over Panama on Saturday, the match that helped the Three Lions qualify for the knockout round of the World Cup with top spot in Group L.

While Tino Livramento had withdrawn from the squad earlier in the tournament, Quansah was selected at right-back in place of Djed Spence. However, Quansah had to leave the field midway through the second half against Panama, and Spence replaced him. Tuchel admitted that he is very worried about the right-back situation ahead of the round of 32 match against DR Congo next Wednesday.

"It's a typical ankle injury and he's feeling pain," Tuchel said of Quansah's injury. "He said he had a similar injury before and only needed a few days to recover. He lifted his leg up high and iced it. Of course, I'm also worried – we have another injury in this position. The race will be tough for Reece James and Jarell Quansah, but our job is to find a solution and we will do that."

England are currently unbeaten in the group stage in two consecutive World Cups (4 wins, 2 draws) for the first time since 2010 (three in a row). They played quite poorly against Panama until Jude Bellingham opened the scoring in the 62nd minute, becoming the youngest English player to score and assist in a World Cup match (since 1966). Harry Kane then scored the second to overtake Gary Lineker as England's all-time top scorer at the World Cup (11 goals). If they defeat DR Congo, England will face Mexico or Ecuador in the round of 16.