Thomas Tuchel worried by England right-back injuries, but reveals Declan Rice absence not fitness-related ahead of World Cup round of 32

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England boss Thomas Tuchel has no concerns over the fitness of Arsenal pair Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice, but an injury for Jarell Quansah has deepened the issues at right-back ahead of the World Cup knockout stage.

Bellingham takes 'responsibility' for getting England to 'another level of intensity'

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The Three Lions sealed the group win on Saturday night with a 2-0 victory over Panama, while Ghana lost to Croatia.

Jude Bellingham put England ahead in the second period following a frustrating first half against a stubborn side, before Harry Kane sealed the points with his record-breaking 11th World Cup goal.

England will now face DR Congo in the new round of 32, after the African nation clinched their place among the best third-placed teams, coming from behind to defeat Uzbekistan on the same evening.

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That tie will take place in Atlanta on Wednesday, July 1, but Tuchel faces a nervy wait thanks to his injury crisis.

Prior to the tournament, Tino Livramento pulled out of the squad through injury, and rather than replace him with another full-back, the German coach elected to draft in centre-back Trevoh Chalobah.

Question marks were raised, particularly with Real Madrid star Trent Alexander-Arnold overlooked. The choice was scrutinised even more once Reece James was ruled out of the group finale, and remains a doubt to face DR Congo.

'No one could see that coming' - Tuchel on James injury

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Things went from bad to worse as Alexander-Arnold's fellow former Liverpool defender, Quansah, was forced off against Panama with an ankle problem.

It potentially leaves Djed Spence as the only realistic option for the next round, though Tuchel has favoured the Tottenham Hotspur man on the left of his back line of late.

On Quansah's knock, Tuchel said in his post-match press conference: "A classic ankle twist and he is in pain. He said he had it before, and it is a matter of days. He has his leg up high and in ice.

"Naturally, of course [I am worried about right-back] - 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."

There is brighter news further up the field, though. Before the trip to North America, Rice and Saka appeared to be running on empty and nursing minor injuries, given Arsenal's hectic end to the campaign.

They were key figures in The Gunners ending their 22-year wait for a Premier League title, while also making the UEFA Champions League final in a gruelling end to a long season.

Saka was not fit enough for the opening two games of the tournament, but started against Panama, and Tuchel has confirmed the winger emerged unscathed.

Rice, meanwhile, missed the Panama outing, while fans have been concerned over recent images of strapping on his leg in the aftermath of games.

However, his international boss has revealed the midfielder was kept out of the group-stage finale due to carrying a yellow card, with England simply not wanting to risk a suspension if he was to pick up another.

Tuchel told ITV: "Bukayo is not a problem. Declan, we had the chance to take completely out of the match to not concede a second yellow, which helps us a lot.

"It's three days [since the Ghana draw], and the next match in four days is not a problem. We love that and are good at that."

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