Two right-backs, one training session, zero explanations — England have a problem. With the World Cup last-32 match against DR Congo arriving on Wednesday, Jarell Quansah and Reece James were both absent from a session in Dallas, according to Capital Sports — a report that is yet to be independently confirmed. The nature of those absences is not yet verified, but the timing could not be more uncomfortable.
Capital Sports reported that Quansah and James both missed the session, though the reason — injury, illness, or precautionary rest — has not been confirmed from a second independent source. England have not issued a statement. Until more detail emerges, this is a concern, not a confirmed crisis. But it is the kind of concern that tends to grow the closer you get to a knockout match.
Quansah has been used as a right-back option by England despite being a centre-back by trade at Liverpool — a sign of how stretched the position already was before this latest development. James, meanwhile, has spent much of his recent career managing a body that has rarely let him play a full run of games. His presence in the squad at all was something of a relief. His absence from training is the opposite.
If both are unavailable — or even if one is — England's options on the right of defence become thin very quickly. The squad does not carry a natural, in-form right-back behind James in the conventional sense, which is precisely why Quansah was being considered there in the first place. A makeshift solution against DR Congo in a World Cup knockout tie is not ideal preparation for the rounds that follow.
DR Congo are not a side England can approach with a patched-up backline and expect a comfortable evening. They are organised, direct, and capable of punishing hesitation on the flanks. Whoever lines up at right-back on Wednesday will need to be ready — not just available.
The next England training session — and whether Quansah and James return to it — will tell most of the story. A second source confirming the nature of the absences would sharpen the picture considerably. For now, the right-back slot is the one position on the teamsheet that nobody can fill in with confidence.
England have been here before: a tournament, a fitness doubt, a reshuffle nobody wanted. The difference this time is that the World Cup last 32 does not move for anyone.
> Editor's note: This story is currently based on a single report from Capital Sports. We are seeking independent confirmation and will update when a second source or official statement is available.
Two right-backs, one training session, zero explanations — England have a problem. With the World Cup last-32 match against DR Congo arriving on Wednesday, Jarell Quansah and Reece James were both absent from a session…
Fuentes
Capital Sports
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“Stays on World Cup — different angle, same beat.”
SELECCIONESEngland are in the World Cup last 16. That sentence should feel bigger than it does right now — because by all accounts, the win over DR Congo was the kind of performance that gets discussed in hushed
“Stays on World Cup — different angle, same beat.”
SELECCIONESEngland are in the World Cup last 16. That sentence should feel bigger than it does right now — because by all accounts, the win over DR Congo was the kind of performance that gets discussed in hushed
