Reece James is optimistic that he will return from injury to play again for England at the World Cup.
Thomas Tuchel admitted he was worried about Englandâs right-back position ahead of the last-32 clash against DR Congo after Jarell Quansah suffered a twisted ankle in the victory over Panama.
James had been ruled out of the Panama game with a hamstring problem and is expected to miss the Congo match, despite not yet being ruled out by Tuchel.
But Telegraph Sport understands James remains optimistic over his involvement in the World Cup and that he can return from injury in time to play a key role for Tuchel.
The injuries to Quansah and James, together with Tino Livramento pulling out of the squad before Englandâs World Cup campaign started, has left Tuchel with just two fit full-backs: Nico OâReilly and Djed Spence.
They will most likely have to play against Congo, although Tuchel does also have the option of moving Ezri Konsa to right-back and bringing John Stones back into the centre of defence.
âClassic ankle twist and he is in pain,â Tuchel said, explaining Quansahâs injury. âHe said he had it before and it is a matter of days. He has his leg up high and in ice.â
Asked if he is now worried about Englandâs right-back position, Tuchel said: âNaturally. Of course, we have another injury in the position. It will be a tight race for Reece James and a tight race for Jarell Quansah, but it is our job to find solutions and we will do.â
Thomas Tuchel admitted he was worried about Englandâs right-back position ahead of the last-32 clash against DR Congo after Jarell Quansah suffered a twisted ankle in the victory over Panama.
James had been ruled out of the Panama game with a hamstring problem and is expected to miss the Congo match, despite not yet being ruled out by Tuchel.
But Telegraph Sport understands James remains optimistic over his involvement in the World Cup and that he can return from injury in time to play a key role for Tuchel.
The injuries to Quansah and James, together with Tino Livramento pulling out of the squad before Englandâs World Cup campaign started, has left Tuchel with just two fit full-backs: Nico OâReilly and Djed Spence.
They will most likely have to play against Congo, although Tuchel does also have the option of moving Ezri Konsa to right-back and bringing John Stones back into the centre of defence.
âClassic ankle twist and he is in pain,â Tuchel said, explaining Quansahâs injury. âHe said he had it before and it is a matter of days. He has his leg up high and in ice.â
Asked if he is now worried about Englandâs right-back position, Tuchel said: âNaturally. Of course, we have another injury in the position. It will be a tight race for Reece James and a tight race for Jarell Quansah, but it is our job to find solutions and we will do.â
