Jarell Quansah is reportedly the third England option at right-back to suffer an injury at the tournament, following Tino Livramento and Reece James. Thomas Tuchel described Quansah’s problem as “a classic ankle twist” and admitted that the defender and James are in a “tight race” to be fit.
That leaves Djed Spence as the apparent specialist option, while Trevoh Chalobah and Ezri Konsa could provide cover. The question is not simply who fills the position, but whether England can preserve their attacking width and defensive balance on the right.
The injury run is also likely to revive debate over Trent Alexander-Arnold’s absence from the squad, although the immediate priority is finding a reliable solution for the first knockout test.
The report says Manchester United midfielder Ugarte suffered a knee ligament injury while representing Uruguay. The precise diagnosis and recovery timeline remain unclear, making the setback particularly difficult for his club to plan around.
Ugarte’s physical presence has been an important part of his appeal, but an extended absence would leave United needing greater consistency from their midfield alternatives. His comments underline the personal cost, too, with the 25-year-old describing himself as being at “rock bottom”.
There is more encouragement for Arsenal, with William Saliba reportedly expected to return for France against Sweden after missing the previous match with a back problem.
France appear keen to manage the defender carefully, but his return would strengthen a side with serious ambitions in the latter stages. For England, meanwhile, the right-back problem will be tested immediately when the knockout meeting with DR Congo arrives.