Reece James remains a major England injury doubt as Thomas Tuchel faces a growing right-back crisis before the World Cup last 32.
[According to Sami Mokbel for BBC Sport, Tuchel admitted concern after Jarell Quansah became the latest right-sided option to suffer an injury.](https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/cy9rynwn4ygo) Quansah started in place of James against Panama but limped off in the second half and went straight down the tunnel.
James has been dealing with a hamstring problem, while Tino Livramento has already left the squad with a calf issue. That leaves Tuchel short of natural right-back options before England face DR Congo in Atlanta on Wednesday at 17:00 BST.
For Chelsea, the concern is obvious. James entered this tournament needing rhythm, minutes and a clean run, not another availability debate. [ReadChelsea had already framed his World Cup as a chance to reset the outside conversation](https://readchelsea.com/2026/06/16/reece-james-chelsea-world-cup-england-croatia/).
Tuchel said Quansah had suffered “a classic ankle twist” and described both his and James’ availability as “a tight race”. That leaves Djed Spence and Ezri Konsa as the main right-back options, with Trevoh Chalobah also in the squad after replacing Livramento.
The situation matters for Chelsea because James remains central to Xabi Alonso’s plans at club level. Chelsea need their captain fit for pre-season, especially with the World Cup already complicating player returns.
The Guardian has also reported that James missed England’s final group match after his hamstring issue, with Tuchel optimistic the problem was minor. That detail offers some reassurance, but the knockout schedule leaves little recovery margin.
England may still find a solution. Chelsea’s priority is simpler: no setback for James before Alonso’s first summer properly begins.