What We Know
On the eve of England’s round-of-32 match at the 2026 World Cup, both Jarell Quansah and Reece James were absent from a training session. Quansah had made his World Cup debut after replacing James in the group-stage win over Panama. England manager Thomas Tuchel has expressed concern about the right-back situation.
Reports say the absences are injury-related: Reece James is dealing with a tight hamstring, while Jarell Quansah suffered an ankle twist. At least one report states Tuchel has confirmed both players will miss England’s match with DR Congo, meaning the team must name alternative options at right back for the next game. Multiple outlets covering the story describe the situation as a mounting problem for England’s defensive depth at that position.
Source Comparison
Aligned reportingCorroborates
- BBC↗Reports that Jarell Quansah and Reece James missed England training ahead of the round-of-32 match and that Quansah had replaced James against Panama to make his World Cup debut, matching the briefing's core details.
- espn.com.au↗States Tuchel confirmed both James and Quansah will miss the round-of-32 match, citing James' tight hamstring and Quansah twisting his ankle, supporting the briefing's injury and confirmation claims.
- independent.co.uk↗Reports that James and Quansah missed England training on the eve of the DR Congo match and frames the absences as a problem for England's right-back options, consistent with the briefing.
- channelnewsasia.com↗Confirms both players were absent from training before the last-32 match and reports injuries (tight hamstring for James, ankle twist for Quansah), aligning with the briefing's account.
- thestar.com.my↗Reports Quansah and James were absent from pre-match training with injuries and notes the implications for England needing alternative right-back options, echoing the briefing.