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World Cup: Tuchel expresses worry over England’s injury situation
28th June, 2026 03:09 PM
England boss Thomas Tuchel has admitted his growing anxiety over the mounting injury crisis after Jarell Quansah was forced off during the Three Lions’ final group match against Panama on Sunday, June 28, 2026.
While a 2-0 victory secured England’s progression as Group L winners, the coach acknowledged severe selection headaches as the team prepares for the knockout stages.
Injuries and withdrawals
The Bayer Leverkusen defender joins Chelsea captain Reece James on the sidelines after James sat out of the clash with a hamstring injury, leaving the squad devoid of natural right-back options.
Newcastle’s Tino Livramento had earlier withdrawn from the tournament and was replaced by Trevor Chalobah of Chelsea.
“Naturally, of course, we now have another injury in the position; we will do everything to address it. It will be a tight race for Reece James and now Jarrel Quansah, so I am worried about these two, but it is our job to find a solution, and that is what we will do in the next four days,” he stated while addressing the injury cases.
The coach also addressed the specifics of Quansah’s injury, revealing that the player was already dealing with discomfort before the clash.
Twisted ankle
“It is a classic ankle twist, and he is now in pain. He said it was an ankle twist, and he hoped it would stay as it was, but it is painful at the moment (when he came out). He has his leg high and in ice and under compression,” Tuchel explained.
England secured a hard-fought top spot in the group with seven points, with Croatia finishing second on six points and Ghana on four.
The gaffer and his team now shift focus to the upcoming round of 32 clash against DR Congo.
The Democratic Republic of Congo secured a place in the next round of 32 after fighting back from behind to defeat Uzbekistan 3-1 in their final Group K match.
Round of 32
The impressive comeback ensured the Leopards progressed as one of the tournament’s eight highest-ranked third-placed teams. Colombia topped the group, with Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal finishing second after the two sides played out a scoreless draw.
The last-32 showdown with England will be held at the Atlanta Stadium on Wednesday, July 1, 2026.
On their part, Colombia will meet Ghana at Kansas City Stadium on Friday, July 3, 2026, while Portugal will take on Croatia at Toronto Stadium on Thursday, July 2, 2026.
