England injury crisis as Thomas Tuchel confirms two stars will MISS World Cup clash against DR Congo
ENGLAND face an injury crisis at right back in their World Cup last-32 clash with DR Congo. Three Lions manager Thomas Tuchel confirmed two stars were not quite ready for Wednesday’s clash. England face their African opponents on Wednesday afternoon in Atlanta, Georgia, for a place in the last-16. And they’ll have to do it without both Reece James and Jarell Quansah in defence. Tuchel said: “They’re getting closer and closer – I saw both of them on the pitch. “Jarell is a little bit ahead of Reecey, but the race was close to make it in a match squad this time. READ MORE ON THE WORLD CUP “We need to make sure we have more matches, that is the focus and they will be available very soon.” Quansah started at right-back in Saturday’s 2-0 win over Panama but came off with a twisted ankle. James missed the game altogether after picking up a hamstring injury in the 0-0 draw with Ghana. England already lost Tino Livramento on the eve of the tournament to injury with Trevoh Chalobah called up in his place. Most read in Sport WORLD CUP 2026 FREE BETS AND SIGN UP OFFERS And the latest injury will be a huge setback for Tuchel’s defensive plans. Djed Spence is the likely candidate to start at right-back on Wednesday. Declan Rice is set to return in midfield after being rested in the win over Panama due to his risk of picking up another yellow card and a suspension. And his Arsenal team-mate Bukayo Saka is also fit, Tuchel confirmed. World Cup 2026 - all the info IT'S A KNOCKOUT The knockout stages of the World Cup are here, with many big sides still in the hunt for global glory. England manager Thomas Tuchel is hoping to finally bring football home after a 60-year drought for the nation. Powerhouse nations like France, Spain, Brazil and Argentina are all serious contenders for the biggest prize in sport. However, heavyweights Germany and Netherlands have both been knocked out on penalties in the last-32! Football icons Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo are showing no signs of slowing down, on what looks to be the pair’s final World Cup. LATEST NEWS - Paraguay World Cup star in tears after huge Germany upset - Chelsea legend consoled by Ronaldo after sudden World Cup camp departure - Casemiro’s daughter in tears after Man Utd star scores header vs Japan - South Korea boss RESIGNS after group stage exit - Ronaldo DITCHES £242 limited edition boots after just 45 minutes KEY INFO - World Cup 2026 full match schedule including kick-off times - World Cup 2026 full squads - World Cup 2026 rule changes - World Cup 2026 prize money VIDEO - Proper Football Daily: Get all the expert analysis each morning - Team Talk – Tactics Exposed: Dive into the tactical talking points TIPS AND BETTING If you click a link in this article, we will earn affiliate revenue.