30 June 2026
England's Right-Back Crisis Deepens Before DR Congo Clash
Reece James and Jarell Quansah have both been ruled out of England's last-32 tie against DR Congo, leaving Djed Spence as the only fit right-back in the squad.
England head into their World Cup last-32 showdown against DR Congo in Atlanta on Wednesday with a defensive headache, according to Sky Sports. Both Reece James and Jarell Quansah have been confirmed as unavailable for the knockout tie.
Quansah twisted his ankle during England's final group-stage win over Panama on Saturday, while James is dealing with a hamstring problem. Sky Sports reports the pair were the only players absent from training ahead of the crucial match.
That leaves Tottenham full-back Djed Spence as the squad's sole fit right-back option. Spence has featured in all three group games so far, primarily on the left side of defence, though he did slot into the right-back role late on against Panama. Now he is set for a starting berth in a position that does not come naturally, on the biggest stage of his career.
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