Reece James is a doubt for England's crucial World Cup round of 16 match against Mexico on Sunday evening, but Jarell Quansah's return to training provides a potential solution to Thomas Tuchel's right-back crisis.
James Trains Alone, Quansah Returns
James trained alone rather than with his England teammates on Saturday ahead of the match against World Cup co-hosts Mexico at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City. The Chelsea right-back has been sidelined with a hamstring injury sustained after starting England's first two group games.
However, Quansah took part in full training, boosting hopes that he could start against Mexico, as he did in England's final group match against Panama. A string of injuries at right-back forced Tuchel to shift left-back Djed Spence to the right in the round of 32 match against DR Congo. Spence was substituted late on, with midfielder Declan Rice filling in at right-back for the final minutes.
Right-Back Injury Crisis
Newcastle right-back Tino Livramento withdrew from the squad before the tournament due to a calf injury. James started England's first two matches but suffered a hamstring injury that has kept him out since. Quansah came in against Panama but was forced off with an injury of his own, plunging Tuchel into a crisis that led Spence to deputise against DR Congo.
James is close to returning to training, and Quansah's participation in Saturday's session suggests he may be fit enough to start against Mexico. Tuchel has confirmed that Rice will start in midfield and is only considered an emergency option at right-back towards the end of games.
England's World Cup Ambitions
England are aiming to reach the quarter-finals for the third consecutive World Cup. A win against Mexico would set up a last-eight clash against either France or Argentina. The match kicks off at 8pm local time on Sunday.
