Soccer
England Italia 90 star calls for alternative solution to Thomas Tuchel's right back issues
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England head into their quarter-final clash with Norway with continued doubts about who will fill the problem right-back spot.
Reece James' hamstring injury early in the tournament threw Thomas Tuchel's plans into chaos, before injury and suspension have seen Jarell Quansah's availability also become limited.
Djed Spence, Ezri Konsa and even Declan Rice have all filled in where necessary, but it's still not clear if James will be ready for Saturday's huge game.
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Initial reports indicated the Chelsea man would be out for two weeks with his hamstring issue, but having missed training again on Wednesday, he faces a race against time to be fit.
Someone who knows all about playing in an England backline at a World Cup is Des Walker, who starred for the Three Lions at Italia 90.
Speaking exclusively to DAZN News, thanks to ToonieBet, the former defender believes that if Reece isn't fit, then a change in system might be Tuchel's best option.
(C)Getty Images
He said, "Obviously, you'll have to change because of the suspension. Right back has looked like England's biggest issue, but if Reece James is fit, that solves a lot of problems for Thomas Tuchel.
"I'd bring Reece James in because he gives you experience and quality, then I'd keep the rest of the back line together. If James isn't available, then Tuchel may have to change the system and go with three centre-backs.
"At this stage of the tournament, England have got to find a way of keeping a clean sheet because you're not going to win every knockout game 3-2. Eventually, a clean sheet is going to win you a World Cup match."
James wasn't the only one to miss training; Declan Rice and Marc Guehi were also absent from the main party, while Bukayo Saka is also still feeling some discomfort.
England also have concerns over five players who are all carrying yellow cards going into the game. Harry Kane, Jude Bellingham, Rice, Nico O'Reilly and Guehi could all miss a potential semi-final if they are booked against Norway.
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