Quansah's World Cup Injury
England's Jarell Quansah Exits World Cup with Ankle Injury Against Panama
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England has lost yet another right back at the 2026 World Cup. Jarell Quansah twisted his right ankle in the 59th minute of England's group-stage finale against Panama, forcing him off the pitch and leaving the team dangerously thin at the position AP News.
Manager Thomas Tuchel confirmed the injury after England's victory, calling it a "classic ankle twist." Quansah was seen elevating his right leg and icing the ankle. Tuchel said bluntly, "He's in pain... at the moment it's just too painful." England now face a real defensive crisis heading into the Round of 32 AP News.
Three Right Backs Down in Under Two Weeks
England's right-back crisis built fast. First, Tino Livramento pulled out with a calf injury on June 16 during training in Kansas City. Reece James, the team's first-choice right back, then reported hamstring tightness after a 0-0 draw against Ghana on June 23. Tuchel confirmed James would miss at least two matches Winnipeg Free Press.
That left Quansah — a natural center-back — starting at right back against Panama. He lasted only 59 minutes before the ankle gave way. Djed Spence replaced him in the 63rd minute. Spence is now England's only fit natural option on the right side, though he has mostly played on the left under Tuchel Medicine Hat News.
Tuchel's Omission of Alexander-Arnold Comes Back to Haunt Him
Before the tournament, Tuchel left out Trent Alexander-Arnold — one of the best right backs in the world — citing "tactical fit" and "defensive awareness." Alexander-Arnold had just joined Real Madrid. Critics called the decision bold. Now, with three right backs gone, many are calling it a costly mistake Newsday.
TV analyst Gary Neville put it plainly. "If you had said to me a couple of months ago that Quansah would be playing right-back... I would say something has gone badly wrong," he said NH Register. Tuchel may now turn to center-backs Ezri Konsa or Trevoh Chalobah to fill the role in the knockout stage.
England Still Top Group L Despite the Injury Chaos
Despite the defensive headaches, England finished the group stage with seven points, topping Group L. Harry Kane also broke a record during the Panama match, scoring his 11th World Cup goal to surpass Gary Lineker's all-time England mark Oskaloosa.
England kept a clean sheet against Panama. But analyst Jamie Carragher warned that the right flank looked weak without a specialist. Without James or Quansah, England lose their ability to push forward and deliver from the right side. Tuchel said he is "worried about these two" and has four days to find solutions CT Post.
England Face Senegal or DR Congo on July 1 in Atlanta
England's Round of 32 match is scheduled for Wednesday, July 1 in Atlanta. They will face either Senegal or DR Congo. Tuchel must decide fast whether to rush Quansah back, use Spence on the right, or shift a center-back out of position once again Sports Yahoo.
Tuchel said Quansah told him he had dealt with this type of ankle injury before and "it was a matter of days." That gives England a sliver of hope. But with James also racing to be fit, the next four days will define how far this England team can realistically go AP News.
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