- England manager Thomas Tuchel is facing a defensive selection crisis ahead of Wednesday's World Cup last-32 match against DR Congo , with key right-backs Jarell Quansah and Reece James both absent from the final training session due to injuries.
- Quansah, who had stepped in for the injured James, was forced off with an ankle issue in the previous match, leaving Tuchel to consider Djed Spence, typically a 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 fully participated in Tuesday’s training session after being rested for the previous game to manage a back issue and nerve pain in his hamstring.
- Tuchel also has decisions to make regarding his wide attacking options, with Bukayo Saka having made his first start against Panama, and Noni Madueke, Anthony Gordon, Eberechi Eze, or Morgan Rogers all vying for a starting spot.
- England will face a DR Congo side that has made history by reaching the World Cup knockout stages for the first time, setting up a challenging last-32 encounter where the winner will play either co-hosts Mexico or Ecuador.
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