Thomas Tuchel hopes to get Reece James back for the World Cup quarter-finals against Norway on Saturday – and there can’t be a more important time.
England’s right-back crisis came to a head when Jarell Quansah received a red card in the 3-2 win over Mexico on Sunday. The Bayer Leverkusen defender is suspended for the quarter-finals in Miami – and Tuchel had to resort to centre-back Ezri Konsa as a right wing-back for much of the last game.
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James has not been in full training since suffering a hamstring injury in the group game against Ghana. He has since missed the matches against Panama, DR Congo and Mexico. But now there is growing optimism that the 26-year-old can be back in full training during the week – and thus ease the pressure on a hard-pressed position.
In just five games, James, Djed Spence, Konsa, John Stones, Quansah and even Declan Rice have all been used at right-back at different times. Tino Livramento suffered a calf injury before the tournament and has not been available.
Konsa and Spence are still options for Tuchel, but the news that James is nearing a comeback is a welcome boost – after all, the Chelsea captain is considered England’s clear first choice at right-back.
