Jarell Quansah has enjoyed a fine year since leaving Liverpool for Bayer Leverkusen last summer, with the Reds' former defender having landed a place in England's World Cup squad this summer
22:35, 12 Jun 2026
PALM BEACH, FLORIDA - JUNE 08: (EXCLUSIVE COVERAGE) (EDITOR'S NOTE: This image has been digitally altered.) Jarell Quansah #26 of England poses for a portrait during the official FIFA World Cup 2026 portrait session on June 08, 2026 in Palm Beach, Florida. (Photo by Maddie Meyer - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
Jarell Quansah is in England's squad for the World Cup(Image: Getty Images)
Jarell Quansah has admitted he faced a "really tough decision" in pursuit of his World Cup dream. The 23-year-old departed Liverpool for Bayer Leverkusen last summer, seeking consistent first-team football to strengthen his England credentials.
The gamble has paid dividends handsomely, with Quansah securing regular Champions League appearances and ultimately earning his spot in the England squad heading to the United States. Having come through the ranks at Liverpool, the defender is now thriving in Germany, continuing to develop impressively.
The England defender said: "Last summer it was a really tough decision to be honest, to walk away from my boyhood club - a club I've been at all my life. But I just knew it was the best thing that I needed for my career, to be playing week in, week out.
"People who know me know I back myself no matter what and I feel like I'm capable of playing at the highest level and I wanted to show that this season.
"To be rewarded being selected for the World Cup is an absolute honor and it's all down to hard work and I've put in over the past 12 months."
A firm favourite of England manager Thomas Tuchel, Quansah has impressed through his consistency, European performances and tactical flexibility. Comfortable across the defensive line, whether at right-back or center-half, the accomplished defender is nonetheless keen to stress his growth stems from accumulated experience rather than simply leaving Anfield.
Jarell Quansah of Bayer 04 Leverkusen looks on before the DFB Cup Semifinal match between Bayer 04 Leverkusen and FC Bayern Munchen at BayArena on April 22, 2026 in Leverkusen, Germany.
Jarell Quansah has enjoyed a fine year since leaving Liverpool for Bayer Leverkusen(Image: Marcel ter Bals/DeFodi Images/DeFodi via Getty Images)
Quansah said: "Yeah, I don't really look at it like that, to be honest. I'm just working hard every day, working hard each game.
"I feel like with every game I play, I'm getting better. I'm only young, so as long as I keep my head down, I keep grafting away, I know I'm going to be in a good place, and it's just sticking to what I know and sticking to the goals that I've set myself, and hopefully I can achieve everything I want.
"It was massive for me playing in the Champions League. We played top teams in England and we played well, so it was always good to play well in those games and you can never take those nights for granted, they're so special.
"Unfortunately, we won't be doing that next season, but there's always opportunities in another environment to show yourself. But like I say, I just need games. I needed experience and I still need games and experience to keep going."
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Quansah is arguably next in line at right-back for England, offering an alternative option at center-back, and is virtually guaranteed minutes at this World Cup. This is precisely why he has undoubtedly benefitted from featuring across various defensive positions, while relishing the experience of representing England on the world stage.
Quansah featured in both friendly fixtures against New Zealand and Costa Rica, expressing his readiness to fulfil a role across the back line. He added: "I think you can say that throughout my career, I've sort of drifted along the back line, and whether it be left or right centre back, or right-back.
"I'm comfortable playing all of them, to be honest, especially this past year, although it's back three for Leverkusen I'm often in right-back positions.
England defender Jarell Quansah (26) and Costa Rica defender Darril Yorel Araya Samuels (8) battle for the ball during the international friendly game between England and Costa Rica at Inter&Co Stadium on June 10, 2026 in Orlando,Florida.
Jarell Quansah could make his first appearance in a major tournament for England at the World Cup(Image: Chris Arjoon/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
"I'm still getting used to it a little bit but I feel like I'm getting better every time I play there. I've probably only had a handful of games at right back so I'm getting used to it, but I think I'm getting better."
England manager Tuchel observed Quansah during the Euros with the under-21s and swiftly elevated him to the senior squad. Now, he can feel the standard rising with every training session.
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He said: "We're always pushing each other and trying to give ourselves the best opportunity to win each game. We kept a clean sheet through all of qualifying so it's obviously a good defensive part to be part of, and I'm happy to be a part of it.
"I think he saw what I'm like at the U21s, because he watched me before, in training sessions and he's watched me throughout the year. So there's nothing in particular, just sort of keep doing what you're doing, which is a massive compliment."