James Doubtful for Mexico Clash, Quansah Returns for England! ⚽️🏴
James Doubtful for Mexico Clash, Quansah Returns for England! ⚽️🏴
England faces Mexico in a crucial World Cup last-16 tie! Reece James's fitness in doubt, but Jarell Quansah is back in action. Get the latest team news here!
England's preparations for their crucial World Cup last-16 tie against Mexico have been overshadowed by fitness concerns surrounding key defender Reece James. The Chelsea right-back missed the final training session on the eve of the match in Mexico City, raising significant doubts about his availability.
James, 26, has been sidelined for England's last two games after sustaining a hamstring injury during the goalless draw with Ghana. He has yet to complete a full training session with the squad since the incident and was the only player absent from Saturday's session. The Football Association confirmed that James is following an individual rehabilitation programme away from the main group. England boss Thomas Tuchel indicated that a late assessment would be needed to determine if James could even make the substitutes' bench.
However, there's positive news for the Three Lions with Jarell Quansah returning to full fitness. The versatile defender, who can play at centre-back or full-back, has resumed full training and is now available for selection against Mexico. Quansah had also suffered a hamstring injury, picked up during the draw with Panama. His return is a welcome boost for Tuchel, particularly easing concerns at right-back, a position where England has faced challenges.
In the previous victory over DR Congo, Djed Spence started at right-back, but midfielder Declan Rice finished the match in that role. While Rice has also been managing a hamstring issue, the Arsenal midfielder is expected to be fit for the high-stakes encounter at the Azteca stadium. England will be hoping their squad depth can cover the potential absence of James as they push for a place in the World Cup quarter-finals.
