England Coach Says Team Can Cope Without Two Right-Backs for DR Congo Match

England manager Thomas Tuchel said the team will manage without its first-choice and backup right-backs for the round-of-32 World Cup match against the Democratic Republic of Congo. Reece James started the first two group games but missed Saturday’s win over Panama with a hamstring issue. Both players trained away from the main group on Tuesday and will not be available in Atlanta.

Spence could start at right-back, while Ezri Konsa may move from centre-back. Tuchel said he trusts the remaining players and that injuries are part of the tournament. “We would love to have Reece with us, we would love to have Jarell with us, but they’re injured at the moment so other players will step up,” Tuchel said.

Rice returned to full training after being withdrawn as a precaution against Croatia. Rice said he is fit and that earlier hamstring concerns are no longer an issue. “I’m good, genuinely, I’m good,” Rice said. “I’m managing myself really well. I feel good, fit and strong.”