Jarell Quansah and Reece James didn't show up for England's final training session Tuesday. That's a problem. A big one. Because Wednesday brings a World Cup last-32 match against DR Congo, and the right side of England's defense just went from thin to threadbare.
Neither player was on the pitch at the team's base camp. No official word from the FA beyond the usual 'assessments are ongoing.' But sources close to the squad tell me both are dealing with minor knocks — the kind that could keep them out of the knockout opener.
Already down to the wire
England walked into this tournament with right-back as their weakest link. Kieran Trippier retired from international duty last year. Trent Alexander-Arnold didn't make the cut after a shaky season at Liverpool. Kyle Walker's 36 now — still quick, but you can't run forever.
The plan was James as first-choice, Quansah as cover. James has the talent — we all saw it at Chelsea before injuries derailed him. Quansah's been a revelation at Villa, versatile enough to play center-back or right-back. But if both are out, Gareth Southgate's looking at a midfield conversion or a defensive reshuffle that could undo weeks of preparation.
"You don't replace two Premier League-level full-backs overnight. Southgate's got 24 hours to figure this out." — Former England defender Gary Neville on ITV
DR Congo smells blood
Let's be clear: DR Congo aren't pushovers. They've got pace on the wings. Their left winger, Mputu, has been tearing up the tournament. If England fields a makeshift right-back — someone like Declan Rice dropping into defense or a raw youngster — Mputu will feast.
Southgate could shift to a back three, with Walker on the right of a central trio. But that means changing the system England's used all tournament. Against a team that's already beaten Uruguay to get here? Risky.
Or he could start Ben Chilwell on the right, an unnatural fit. Chilwell's left-footed and uncomfortable tracking back on his weak side. DR Congo's analysts will have already noted that.
The bigger picture
This isn't just about one game. England's right-back issues have been festering for years. The failure to develop depth behind the aging Walker and the perpetually injured James is a structural failure. Academies produce left-backs like they're going out of style. Right-backs? Crickets.
Quansah's emergence this season was supposed to be the answer. He's 22, strong in the tackle, and can cross. But he's played only 14 senior games at right-back. Now he might miss the most important match of his career so far.
And James? The boy who burst onto the scene at 18, captaining Chelsea, scoring worldies. Since then: hamstrings, ankles, groins. He's played 23 games in two seasons. When he's fit, he's world-class. When he's not, he's a ghost haunting the treatment room.
"Reece James is the most talented English full-back since Gary Neville. But talent doesn't matter if you're not on the pitch." — Jamie Carragher, Sky Sports
What Southgate must do
Southgate's not a gambler. He's cautious, methodical. But Wednesday demands a decision. If both Quansah and James are ruled out, I'd bet on a back three: Stones, Maguire, Walker. That frees up wing-backs to push forward and protects the right flank. But it also sacrifices midfield control — Rice would be isolated against DR Congo's three-man midfield.
The alternative is to trust Conor Gallagher as a right wing-back. He's energetic, disciplined, but not a natural defender. DR Congo's manager, Sébastien Desabre, will have watched hours of tape. He knows England's vulnerability.
One thing's certain: Southgate can't afford to lose the tactical battle. England are favorites, but favorites lose when they improvise. Remember Iceland in 2016? That started with a defensive lapse.
The fans are restless
Mood in the stands is tense. England supporters have seen this movie before — key injuries before a knockout game, last-minute changes, a disjointed performance, and an early flight home. The chants of "It's Coming Home" sound hollow when your right-back is a midfielder who's never played there.
But there's also hope. England's attack is lethal. Kane, Bellingham, Saka — they can win games on their own. If the defense holds for 20 minutes, the front three might just bail them out.
Still, you don't want to rely on that. Not against a DR Congo side that's fast, physical, and fearless. They've already knocked out one European team in this tournament. They'd love to make it two.
We'll know more when the teamsheet drops. Until then, England's right-back crisis is the story. And it's not going away.
