Thomas Tuchel still can’t catch a break with England’s right-back headache ahead of their World Cup last-16 clash against Mexico. Reece James is racing the clock, hoping to shake off his hamstring injury and feature at the Estadio Azteca. However, he skipped full training on Friday, and right now, he’s the biggest doubt in Tuchel’s already thin group of right-backs.
James picked up the hamstring problem that saw him miss both England’s final group game versus Panama and their gritty 2-1 win over DR Congo. He just watched from the sidelines in Atlanta, forced to sit and suffer as Harry Kane scored twice after the break to dig England out of trouble. Tuchel started with Djed Spence in that spot, but Spence struggled all night, making it clear how much they’re missing their first-choice right-back.
Reece James has built up an unwanted reputation as one of the most injury-hit players in the Premier League, and now, right when England need him most, he has been dealt another setback. Tuchel admitted before the win over DR Congo that Quansah is likely to return before James.
England’s situation at right-back is still a mess
Tino Livramento had to drop out right before the tournament started. He needed surgery on a calf injury and had to leave the 26-man squad. So now, with Mexico waiting at a stadium where they’ve never lost a World Cup match, Tuchel is desperate for some good news on the injury front.
If James manages to make it back and England can get past Mexico, he might have a new tactical role waiting for him. Even if making the Mexico game is a stretch, there’s hope he’ll be ready for the quarter-finals. If England do get Brazil, Tuchel might look to James to handle Vinícius Júnior, a challenge he’s conquered before.
Quansah seems closer to returning, still working back from an ankle injury, and that would at least give Tuchel a natural right-back to work with. For now, England have to hope these key players heal up fast and keep the knockout dreams alive. Looking forward, Tuchel is set to share any updates on James and Quansah during the weekend’s pre-match press conference before the Mexico game.