Tuchel worried about England’s right-back situation

June 28, 2026 No Comments

Tuchel worried about right-back situationFigure caption, Quansah off injured in ‘big blow’ for EnglandBySami Mokbel

Senior football correspondent in New Jersey

28 June 2026, 01:52 BST

Thomas Tuchel says he is worried about England’s right-back crisis before their World Cup last-32 tie after Jarell Quansah became the recent in the position to suffer injury.

Quansah started in place of the injured Reece James in the 2-0 win over Panama in New Jersey, that clinched top spot in Group L, but limped off in the second half and went straight down the tunnel for treatment.

The injury leaves Tuchel facing a major dilemma heading into their first knockout game in Atlanta on Wednesday (17:00 BST).

James is a major doubt for the game with a hamstring injury and, with right-back Tino Livramento being forced to leave the squad with a calf issue, Tuchel’s only options at right-back appear to be Djed Spence and Ezri Konsa, who has started all three of England’s games at centre-back.

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When Livramento pulled out of the World Cup squad, Tuchel opted to call-up centre-back Trevoh Chalobah rather than including a replacement right-back such as Trent Alexander-Arnold.

Tuchel stated it was too early to assess the severity of Quansah’s injury immediately after the game but, given the last-32 match is just four days away, the Bayer Leverkusen defender’s availability is uncertain.

“A classic ankle twist and he is in pain,” Tuchel stated of Quansah’s injury. “He stated 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.”

England beat Panama to qualify for last 32 as group winners