England lose Quansah and James for World Cup clash with DR Congo

Thomas Tuchel ruled Reece James and Jarell Quansah out of England’s World Cup last-32 match against DR Congo, leaving Djed Spence as the only natural right-back available for Wednesday’s game in Atlanta.

James has a tight hamstring, while Quansah twisted his ankle in England’s final Group L match against Panama. Both missed the squad’s final training session in Kansas City before the team flew to Atlanta. Quansah was slightly ahead of James in recovery, but neither was fit enough to take part in the knockout tie.

England had already lost another right-back option when Tino Livramento withdrew from the tournament before the opener against Croatia. That leaves Tuchel with a thin defensive pool on the flank that often sets the tone for England’s width and early buildup. Spence is now expected to start, while Ezri Konsa is the other likely alternative if Tuchel wants a more conservative shape on that side.

DR Congo advanced from Group K after holding Portugal to a 1-1 draw, losing 1-0 to Colombia and beating Uzbekistan 3-1, and Tuchel called them a “very compact, very physical” and “well-drilled” side that can punish teams on the counterattack and in second-ball situations.

England reached the knockout stage by topping Group L with a 2-0 win over Panama, secured by second-half goals from Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane. Kane’s strike was his 11th goal at the World Cup, moving him past Gary Lineker as England’s all-time top scorer in the tournament.

The injuries mean others will have to step up, with Declan Rice expected to return after being rested against Panama and Bukayo Saka fit to start despite an Achilles issue. The winner in Atlanta will face Mexico or Ecuador in the last 16.