Thomas Tuchel has indicated that Jarrel Quansah and Reece James are on track to play for England again at the World Cup, provided the Three Lions beat DR Congo in the round of 32 on Wednesday. Quansah rolled his ankle on Saturday when he started at right-back in the 2-0 win over Panama in New Jersey. Meanwhile, James missed the match after picking up a hamstring issue against Ghana, and neither player trained on Tuesday afternoon at the team's base in Kansas City.
Tuchel provides defensive injury update
Speaking in Atlanta ahead of the clash, Tuchel said of the defensive duo: "They are getting closer and closer. Jarell is a little bit ahead of Reecey. The race was close to even make it in the match squad for this time. We need to make sure we have more matches, that is the main focus, and then they will be available very soon." Djed Spence and Ezri Konsa are both pushing to start at right-back, though the latter's inclusion would require John Stones to be recalled alongside Marc Guehi at centre-back.
Saka ready for full action
Tuchel also confirmed that Bukayo Saka was ready to go again after starting his first match of the tournament against Panama. The German boss also revealed that England have a psychologist with them in camp, but they are not doing work with the squad on penalties. England will have a penalty order drafted prior to taking spot kicks, though that will be reshaped based on who is on the field at the end of extra-time.
Warning from other knockout results
Germany and Netherlands were both eliminated on penalties on Monday evening, and those results represent a direct warning for England, who cannot underestimate DR Congo. Tuchel said of the two shocks: "I think it can calm us down in a way. It is narrow margins. In the World Cup, teams are well-drilled, teams are defending on the highest level. It is difficult for teams to break teams down. For me, it almost helps us to calm our mind to accept the situation."
England will face the winners of Mexico and Ecuador (kick-off 2am Wednesday) in the round of 16 in Mexico City if they are to battle their way past DR Congo.
