England’s defensive concerns have intensified ahead of their FIFA World Cup last-32 encounter with DR Congo on Wednesday, as both Jarell Quansah and Reece James were absent from training sessions.
The absence of the two players has added significant pressure to England’s right-back options, with the team already navigating a challenging position in the tournament. James, a natural right-back, and Quansah, who can operate across the defensive line, both sitting out of training raises serious questions about their availability for the crucial knockout stage fixture.
England will be eager to progress past the last-32 stage, but the mounting injury concerns at the back could force manager to rethink his defensive setup for one of the most important matches in the nation’s World Cup campaign.
DR Congo will represent a stern test for the English side, and any disruption to the defensive unit could prove costly in a match where a single mistake may be enough to end their World Cup journey. Further updates on the fitness of both players are expected in the coming days as the Wednesday fixture draws closer.
Source: BBC Sport (text & photo)
