England's right-back dilemma looms ahead of Atlanta knockout

Thomas Tuchel faces a tight race to have both Reece James and Jarell Quansah fit for England’s World Cup last‑32 tie in Atlanta on Wednesday, after Quansah limped off in the 2‑0 Group L victory over Panama in New Jersey that secured top spot.

England entered the Panama match without Reece James, who was sidelined by a hamstring injury, and deployed Jarell Quansah in his place. The side secured a 2‑0 win in New Jersey, clinching the Group L top position.

Quansah’s involvement ended early when he limped off in the second half and headed straight to the tunnel for treatment. Tuchel described the incident as a classic ankle twist, noting the Bayer Leverkusen defender had felt the problem before and was placed on ice.

The injury leaves Tuchel with a major dilemma ahead of the knockout game in Atlanta, where James remains a major doubt and Newcastle United full‑back Tino Livramento has also exited the squad with a calf issue. The only right‑back options appear to be Tottenham’s Djed Spence and Aston Villa’s Ezri Konsa, the latter having started all three group games at centre‑back.

When Livramento withdrew, Tuchel called up Chelsea centre‑back Trevoh Chalobah rather than a specialist right‑back such as Real Madrid’s former Liverpool man Trent Alexander‑Arnold.

Tuchel warned that it will be a tight race for both James and Quansah, but affirmed it is his job to find solutions. “Naturally, of course – we have another injury in the position,” he said, adding that the team will do everything to resolve the crisis.