Tuchel's right-back crisis deepens after Panama win

England’s 2-0 victory over Panama secured progression to the World Cup last‑32, but Thomas Tuchel’s right‑back options are under pressure as Jarell Quansah limped off with an ankle twist, leaving his availability for the 1 July tie in Atlanta uncertain for England. Quansah, a former Liverpool centre‑back, completed the first hour of the match before medics withdrew him after an ankle twist. “He has suffered a classic ankle twist and he is in pain,” Tuchel said, adding “He said he had it before and it is a matter of days. He has his leg up high and in ice.” Both Quansah and Reece James are listed as doubtful for England’s last‑32 tie in Atlanta on 1 July, while Tino Livramento has already been ruled out of the tournament. “Of course we have another injury in the position,” Tuchel noted, “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.” Djed Spence replaced Quansah after the injury.

England’s slow awakening: Bellingham and Kane unlock Panama in second half

Tuchel praised the impact of Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane, who scored the two goals that turned the game in seven minutes. “Huge impact, especially of course in the second half, that is what we need, what we want,” he said, “They make us dangerous.” Kane’s strike was his 11th World Cup goal, surpassing Gary Lineker’s England record. “Everyone is very happy for Harry because he is a fantastic teammate and that makes him very special, he is loved by everyone and respected by everyone,” Tuchel said, adding that Kane is “hungry to go all the way in this World Cup.”

Bellingham's impact steers England into knockout round at World Cup

With the right‑back department depleted, England must decide whether to reshuffle the defence or rely on versatile options for the upcoming Atlanta match. Tuchel affirmed the squad will continue to search for solutions ahead of the knockout round. The winner of the Atlanta tie will face the victor of the other last‑32 match on 5 July.