​Thomas Tuchel expressed confidence that England can cope without Reece James and Jarell Quansah as their main right-back options were ruled out of the World Cup knockout clash with the Democratic Republic of Congo. After losing versatile full-back Tino Livramento to a calf issue before the group stage, England have been hit by injuries to their first-choice right-back and his backup in the past week. James started the first two group games, but a hamstring problem kept him out of the win over Panama, while Quansah limped off with a twisted ankle during the second half of that match. Both players trained away from the group on the eve of the round of 32 meeting with DR Congo, and Tuchel confirmed they would not be available at the start of the knockout campaign in Atlanta. “They are getting close,” the England boss said. “I saw them on the pitch. Jarell is a little ahead of Reecey, but the race was close even to make it into the match squad this time, so we need to ensure we have more matches. That is the main focus, and then they will be available very soon.” Djed Spence could line up on the right against DR Congo, with Ezri Konsa potentially shifting from his usual centre-back role. “First of all, I trust my players. I’ve seen them for weeks, I picked them, and that’s what football is about. You have injuries. It’s not worth dwelling on it; you find the solution. It’s a team sport. We would love to have Reece and Jarell with us, but they’re injured at the moment, so other players will step up and we will push this over the line tomorrow as a team no matter what happens.” While James and Quansah trained on separate programmes on Tuesday, there was brighter news for key midfielder Declan Rice, who joined the rest of the squad in training. The Arsenal captain had been withdrawn as a precaution in the opening game against Croatia and later revealed he had been dealing with neural pain in his hamstring since Christmas. Rice picked up a knock against Ghana and was an unused substitute against Panama, but the midfielder reassured that he is fit for DR Congo. “I’m good, genuinely, I’m good,” he said. “There’s been one concern over my hamstring, but that’s not a problem because I’m still here training, I’m playing. I’m fine. I got a dead calf in the last minute of the Ghana game. It blew up for about three days, so that was just unlucky. I’m managing myself really well. I feel good, fit, and strong. It’s the World Cup and missing out the other day isn’t a problem.” He added, “We have a squad”