England manager Thomas Tuchel expects defender Reece James to be available for the upcoming World Cup quarter-final match against Norway on Saturday. This potential return could alleviate a right-back shortage exacerbated by Jarell Quansah's suspension.
Quansah received a red card during England's 3-2 victory over Mexico on Sunday, ruling him out of the next knockout stage fixture in Miami. James himself has been sidelined with a hamstring injury sustained during the second group game against Ghana, causing him to miss matches against Panama, DR Congo, and Mexico. However, there is increasing optimism that the 26-year-old will rejoin full training this week.
Following Quansah's dismissal in the 54th minute against Mexico, Ezri Konsa, who has been a consistent center-back starter, was deployed as a right wing-back. Throughout the tournament, England has seen various players feature at right-sided defense, including James, Djed Spence, Konsa, John Stones, Quansah, and midfielder Declan Rice. The team also faced a setback prior to the tournament when Tino Livramento suffered a calf injury.
Konsa and Spence remain options for Tuchel's tactical considerations. The anticipated availability of James, widely recognized as England's first-choice right-back, would be a significant boost for the team's defensive lineup.