England manager Thomas Tuchel has confirmed a new defensive setback, as Jarell Quansah suffered a twisted ankle during the team’s 2-0 win over Panama. The injury raises fresh concerns regarding England’s options at right-back.
Quansah had been promoted to the starting XI for the final group stage fixture after Reece James was ruled out with a hamstring issue. James remains a doubt for England’s upcoming round-of-32 match this Wednesday. The squad was already thin at the position following Tino Livramento’s tournament-ending injury just before the competition began.
During the match against Panama, Quansah was forced off in the 64th minute after a tackle by Jose Luis Rodriguez. Tuchel stated that the player is clearly in discomfort. While Quansah noted that he has managed similar ankle injuries previously, his availability for the next round against Senegal or DR Congo remains uncertain. With Djed Spence also serving as cover for left-back duties, Tuchel must now navigate a depleted defensive rotation as the knockout stage approaches.
