Thomas Tuchel is facing a right-back problem for England after Jarell Quansah suffered an ankle injury. Reece James is already sidelined, so both leading options on that flank are doubtful. The issue arises just after England beat Panama 2-0, sealing top spot in Group L and a World Cup round of 32 tie with DR Congo on Wednesday.

That victory continued England’s strong record in the group phase. England are now unbeaten in consecutive World Cup group stages for the first time since 2010, with four wins and two draws across the last two tournaments. If England overcome DR Congo, they will then meet either Mexico or Ecuador in the last 16.

The right side of England’s defence has been hit several times during this World Cup. Tino Livramento left the squad earlier in the tournament. Reece James then picked up an injury that ruled the Chelsea full-back out of the Panama match. With James missing, Tuchel selected Quansah at right-back ahead of Djed Spence.

Quansah lasted past the hour mark before another problem struck England in that position. The defender limped off midway through the second half against Panama and Spence came on as a direct replacement. Tuchel later outlined the nature of the problem, saying: “A classic ankle twist and he is in pain, Tuchel said of Quansah’s injury. He said he had it before and it is a matter of days. He has his leg up high and in ice.”

Tuchel accepted that the situation on the right side of defence is now a serious worry. “Naturally of course [I am worried]we have another injury in the position. It will be a tight race for Reece James and a tight race for Jarell Quansah but it is our job to find solutions and we will do.” The coaching staff must now assess recovery times before deciding who starts against DR Congo.

England’s display against Panama was below the level shown in earlier group games, with few clear chances created before the break. The match remained goalless until the 62nd minute when Jude Bellingham finally broke through, putting England ahead. That goal made Bellingham the youngest England player on record, since 1966, to both score and assist in a World Cup match.

Harry Kane added the second goal later in the half with a close-range header. That strike moved Kane past Gary Lineker to become England’s leading World Cup scorer with 11 goals. The forward’s latest record came despite England being described as largely lacklustre in the contest.

England now carry strong group form into the knockout rounds, but the right-back situation casts a shadow. Quansah and James both face a race to regain fitness before the meeting with DR Congo. Progress to a potential clash with Mexico or Ecuador may depend not only on attacking stars but also on how Tuchel covers that weakened defensive flank.