Quansah Injury Deepens England Right-Back Crisis in 2-0 Panama Win as Tuchel Faces Alexander-Arnold Snub
Updated
Updated · Sports Illustrated · Jun 28
Quansah Injury Deepens England Right-Back Crisis in 2-0 Panama Win as Tuchel Faces Alexander-Arnold Snub
1 articles · Updated · Sports Illustrated · Jun 28
Summary
Jarell Quansah went off injured after 63 minutes in England’s 2-0 win over Panama, leaving Thomas Tuchel short again at right back before the round of 32.
That setback follows Reece James’ hamstring injury, expected to sideline him for at least two weeks, after backup Tino Livramento had already withdrawn with a calf problem.
Tuchel used natural center back Quansah as a makeshift fullback against Panama, and England’s remaining options there—Djed Spence or Ezri Konsa—offer limited creativity against compact defenses.
The shortage has sharpened scrutiny of Tuchel’s decision to omit Trent Alexander-Arnold from the 26-man World Cup squad despite the 27-year-old finishing the season strongly with Real Madrid.
England still beat Panama through goals from Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane, but the injury pileup threatens a team chasing a second World Cup title.