Injuries force Thomas Tuchel into England change for World Cup knockout game
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England faces somewhat of an injury crisis with both Reece James and Jarell Quansah ruled out of their upcoming knockout game against DR Congo, forcing Thomas Tuchel to find an emergency solution at right back
England boss Thomas Tuchel will be without his two preferred right backs against DR Congo -Credit:Eddie Keogh - The FA, The FA via Getty Images
Thomas Tuchel faces an injury crisis at right-back ahead of England's FIFA World Cup knockout game against DR Congo. Both Reece James and Jarell Quansah were absent from the final training session in Kansas City before the team departed for Atlanta.
While James was always ruled out, Tuchel had harbored hopes that Quansah could feature, only for those prospects to evaporate within the last 24 hours as the defender failed to shake off an ankle injury sustained against Panama.
The FA confirmed that both James, sidelined with a hamstring problem, and Quansah will follow individual recovery programs, though both remain hopeful of being available for a potential Round of 16 game should England advance, as per The Mirror.
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-Credit:Eddie Keogh - The FA, The FA via Getty Images
As a result, Djed Spence is set to start at right-back unless Tuchel opts to deploy Ezri Konsa in that role, with John Stones returning to partner Marc Guehi in central defense.
However, Stones has not featured in the starting lineup since the Group stage opener against Croatia, where he appeared somewhat rusty following a season largely spent on the sidelines at Manchester City.
"A classic ankle twist and he is in pain," Tuchel said of Quansah's injury. "He said he had it before and it is a matter of days. He has his leg up high and in ice.
"Naturally of course [I am worried about the right-back situation] - we have another injury in the position. It will be a tight race for Reece James and a tight race for Jarell Quansah but it is our job to find solutions and we will do."
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Declan Rice is expected to return to midfield with Bukayo Saka pushing for a starting spot, as Tuchel faces a decision between Anthony Gordon and Marcus Rashford on the left wing.
England find themselves under pressure to deliver, despite accumulating seven points from nine to finish top of their group. Following an inspired second-half showing that dispatched Croatia in their opener, Tuchel's side struggled to find a spark against two weaker opponents.
When they come up against DR Congo, the Three Lions will likely need to break down a deep-sitting defense, something that has proven a persistent challenge at this World Cup. Much could hinge on their attacking selections and how effectively they operate in the final third.