Reece James and Jarell Quansah miss England training on eve of DR Congo World Cup clash

England manager Thomas Tuchel is facing a defensive selection dilemma ahead of Wednesday's World Cup last-32 clash against the Democratic Republic of Congo, as both Jarell Quansah and Reece James were absent from the squad's final training session. Quansah had filled in for Chelsea defender James, who is dealing with a hamstring injury, during the final Group L fixture against Panama. Unfortunately, Quansah himself was forced off with an ankle issue during that match. With both defenders undergoing individual rehabilitation programs and unlikely to feature in the knockout opener, Tuchel is contemplating using Djed Spence, who typically plays left-back, or Aston Villa centre-half Ezri Konsa for the right-back position.

In more positive news for the Three Lions, Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice participated in Tuesday's session at England's Kansas City training base. Rice had been rested during the 2-0 victory over Panama, which secured the team's top position in the group, as he manages a workload that included a back issue and nerve pain in his hamstring towards the end of the domestic season. An official statement from England's X account confirmed the absences: "All England squad members are out training at Swope Soccer Village this morning apart from Reece James and Jarell Quansah who are following their own programmes."

Tuchel is also weighing his options regarding his wide attacking players. Bukayo Saka, who has been recovering from an Achilles problem, made his first start of the tournament against Panama alongside Marcus Rashford. Noni Madueke and Anthony Gordon will be eager for another opportunity to impress at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium, while Eberechi Eze or Morgan Rogers remain potential candidates for a starting spot.

England will be up against a DR Congo team that has made history by reaching the knockout stages for the first time. DR Congo secured their place in the last-32 by defeating Uzbekistan 3-1 on Saturday, and they will be looking to pull off a major upset against Tuchel's side. The winner of Wednesday's encounter will face either co-hosts Mexico or Ecuador in the round of 16 as the World Cup heads towards an exciting climax in New Jersey on 19 July.