Defensive dilemma for England as James and Quansah miss training

England manager Thomas Tuchel is grappling with a defensive selection headache as Reece James and Jarell Quansah missed the squad’s final training session ahead of Wednesday’s World Cup last‑32 clash against the Democratic Republic of Congo. Both players are following individual rehabilitation programmes and are unlikely to feature. Quansah stepped in for James during the Group L fixture against Panama, after James sustained a hamstring injury. During that match Quansah was forced off with an ankle issue. James, the Chelsea defender, remains sidelined by the hamstring problem. Tuchel is weighing Djed Spence, normally a left‑back, or Aston Villa centre‑half Ezri Konsa for the right‑back slot. With both James and Quansah unlikely to feature, the defensive options are limited.

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Declan Rice took part in Tuesday’s session at England’s Kansas City training base. Rice had been rested for the 2‑0 victory over Panama, managing 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 on his wide attacking options, with Bukayo Saka having 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, while Eberechi Eze or Morgan Rogers remain potential contenders for a starting berth.

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DR Congo have created history by reaching the knockout stages for the first time, securing their place by beating Uzbekistan 3‑1 on Saturday. They will be aiming to pull off a huge upset against Tuchel’s side in Wednesday’s match. The winner will face either co‑hosts Mexico or Ecuador in the round of 16 as the World Cup moves towards a thrilling climax in New Jersey on 19 July.