Jarell Quansah and Reece James missed Thursday's training, leaving England short‑handed at right back before their last‑32 World Cup match with DR Congo. Both remain sidelined after injuries in the group stage, forcing manager Thomas Tuchel to reshuffle defensive options. The absence leaves only two fit players on the flank, raising tactical concerns.

Quansah twisted his ankle in the 2‑0 victory over Panama, prompting Djed Spence to come on for the Bayer Leverkusen defender. The former Liverpool man had earned his World Cup debut after James missed the 0‑0 draw with Ghana due to a hamstring strain. Tuchel hinted James might return, but his training absence makes selection doubtful. Spence's energy steadied the back line.

The spate of right‑back injuries has revived criticism of Tuchel’s squad composition, especially after Newcastle full‑back Tino Livramento withdrew with a calf problem and was replaced by Trevoh Chalobah. Tuchel positioned Chalobah as a defensive cover, while relying on Quansah and Spence to fill the full‑back slots for the knockout tie. If the right side falters, England could struggle to generate width against Congo's pace.