Quansah and James miss England training as right-back problems mount

Jarell Quansah and Reece James miss training as England's right-back issues mount before their World Cup last-32 match against DR Congo on Wednesday.

England's World Cup preparations have been dealt a blow just two days before their round of 32 clash against DR Congo, as both Jarell Quansah and Reece James missed the team's open training session. The absence of the two right-backs has raised concerns over the team's defensive depth ahead of the crucial knockout fixture. Quansah, the young defender who has impressed in the group stage with his composure and defensive awareness, is reportedly nursing a minor thigh strain sustained in the previous match. While the injury is not considered serious, the coaching staff opted to have him undergo individual recovery work as a precaution. James, on the other hand, is a more worrying case. The experienced right-back is believed to have suffered a recurrence of a previous injury during training, and his availability for Wednesday's game remains uncertain. With both players sidelined, England are left with only Kyle Walker as a recognized right-back option. Walker, though vastly experienced, has shown signs of fatigue after playing multiple matches in quick succession. The lack of alternatives could force manager Gareth Southgate to consider unconventional solutions, such as deploying a midfielder in the right-back role or switching to a back three formation. England progressed from the group stage with an unbeaten record of two wins and one draw, but defensive frailties have been a recurring concern. The right-back position, in particular, has seen several players rotated without establishing a consistent partnership. The timing of this injury crisis could not be worse, as the team now faces a must-win knockout match against a physically imposing DR Congo side. The medical team is working around the clock to get Quansah and James fit, but the chances of either player starting the game appear slim. Southgate may have to rely on Walker to play the full 90 minutes, or even extra time, which would be a significant gamble given his workload. Alternatively, the manager could opt for a more defensive setup, sacrificing some attacking width for solidity. England's ambitions of winning the World Cup hinge on their ability to overcome such setbacks. The right-back crisis is a test of the squad's depth and the coaching staff's tactical flexibility. In the high-stakes environment of the knockout rounds, every decision matters, and Southgate must make the right call to keep England's campaign on track. Fans are anxiously awaiting updates on the injured duo, but the team remains focused on the task at hand. Regardless of who lines up at right-back, England will need to show the resilience and quality expected of a title contender. The match against DR Congo promises to be a stern examination of their credentials.

Quansah and James miss England training as right-back problems mount

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