England defender’s woes deepen after Jarrell Quansah limps against Panama at World Cup

• Tom HamiltonJune 27, 2026 6:30 PM ET

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  • Joined ESPN in 2011.
  • Covered two Olympic Games, a pair of Rugby World Cups and two British & Irish Lions tours.
  • Previously rugby editor, he became senior writer in 2018.

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EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — Jarell Quansah was forced off the field with injury in the second half of England’s match against Panama, with Thomas Tuchel facing potential injury at right-back.

Quansah started at right-back after Reece James was ruled out of the Panama match with a hamstring injury. James is a doubt for the round of 16 match and Quansah was expected to replace him.

But in the second half, the Bayer Leverkusen player limped off, apparently with a right ankle injury.

Jed Spence replaced Konsa and Tuchel had previously mentioned Ezri Konsa as someone else who could cover at right-back, but when Tuchel named his squad on May 22, his main options for the position were James and Tino Livramento.

Livramento was ruled out of the tournament before it even started, with Tuchel selecting Trevo Chalobah as his replacement – a man who would normally be found at centre-back rather than right-back.

Tuchel maintains his team’s versatility can compensate for any shortcomings at right-back, but his resources are sure to be tested now.

Jarell Quansah limped off with an injury against Panama. Tom Weller/Photo Alliance via Getty Images