England face right-back shortage ahead of World Cup quarter-final
England’s World Cup campaign faces severe disruption after Jordan Henderson suffered a broken arm and the team waited on a red card appeal to solve a defensive crisis ahead of the Norway quarter-final.
England’s preparations for Saturday’s World Cup quarter-final against Norway have been severely disrupted by a sudden injury crisis. The squad is dealing with the loss of midfielder Jordan Henderson to a broken arm, alongside a mounting shortage of available right-backs.
Henderson suffered the injury in the immediate aftermath of England’s dramatic 3-2 victory over Mexico at the Azteca Stadium on Sunday. The 36-year-old Brentford midfielder slipped and fell awkwardly over the advertising hoardings while celebrating the knockout-stage win.
The player received oxygen on the pitch before being carried away on a stretcher. He remains in a hospital in Mexico City and may need surgery for the serious break, meaning he will play no further part in the tournament. Henderson had featured for just six minutes at this World Cup, coming on late in the 2-0 group-stage victory over Panama.
While Henderson’s absence depletes Tuchel’s midfield options, the primary structural concern for the England manager is the right side of his defence. The team has already deployed six different right-backs across five games in the United States.
The situation deteriorated further during the Mexico match. Jarell Quansah was sent off in the second half, leaving him suspended for the Norway game. The Football Association is expected to learn later on Tuesday whether an appeal against that red card will be successful.
Alternative options are also compromised. Djed Spence is not fully fit, even though he was brought on late against Mexico. This leaves Tuchel heavily reliant on either an expedited recovery or a tactical reshuffle.
Chelsea full-back Reece James is therefore receiving fast-tracked treatment from England’s medical staff. James has not trained with his teammates since straining a hamstring against Ghana a fortnight ago. However, he took part in the pre-match warm-up in Mexico City, raising hopes that he could be available in some capacity in Miami.
If James cannot play and the Quansah appeal fails, Tuchel may turn to Ezri Konsa. The defender finished the Mexico match playing as a right-back in a back five. Against Norway, England could switch to a back four, with Konsa on the right and John Stones returning to the centre of defence.
