England's right-back dilemma has taken a turn for the worse with Jarell Quansah expected to be unavailable for the upcoming international fixture against DR Congo. The Liverpool defender, who has been deputising in the position, sustained a knock in training and is now racing against time to prove his fitness. Sources close to the England camp suggest that Quansah is unlikely to recover in time for the match, leaving manager Gareth Southgate with a significant selection headache.
Quansah's Injury Blow
Quansah, 22, has been a versatile option for Southgate, featuring primarily as a centre-back but also filling in at right-back during recent friendlies. His absence would be a major setback, especially with established right-backs like Kyle Walker and Reece James already sidelined through injury. The England medical team is monitoring Quansah's condition closely, but initial assessments indicate a muscle strain that typically requires several days of recovery.
Spence Emerges as Contender
Tottenham Hotspur's Djed Spence has been identified as a potential replacement. The 24-year-old, who impressed on loan at Genoa last season, has been called up to the senior squad for the first time. Spence's attacking prowess and pace make him a natural fit for the right-back role, though his defensive discipline has been questioned in the past. Southgate is known for his cautious approach, but with limited options, Spence could be handed his debut against DR Congo.
Additional Options Under Consideration
Other candidates include Trent Alexander-Arnold, who has been used in midfield recently, and Ben White, who has expressed reluctance to play right-back for England. Southgate may also consider shifting to a back three, which would reduce the reliance on a traditional right-back. However, the manager has favoured a four-man defence in recent matches.
Impact on England's Tactics
The right-back issue could force England to alter their game plan against DR Congo. Without a natural right-back, Southgate might instruct his midfielders to provide cover, or rely on Ashley Young, who has experience in the position but lacks pace. The match is a crucial warm-up for the European Championship qualifiers, and a disjointed performance could raise concerns ahead of more competitive fixtures.
According to a team insider, "Jarell is disappointed but determined to be fit. We're exploring all options, and Djed has been training well. It's a chance for someone to step up." The final decision will be made after the pre-match training session, but the odds are stacked against Quansah featuring.
