Tribal Football

Ezri Konsa ready to answer England's right-back call vs. Norway

England head coach Thomas Tuchel with Ezri Konsa.
England head coach Thomas Tuchel with Ezri Konsa.Reuters

England boss Thomas Tuchel faces a crucial selection call in his defence ahead of tonight's 2026 FIFA World Cup quarterfinal clash with Norway in Miami.

The German coach is expected to stick with the majority of the same starting XI from the last 16 win over Mexico at the Estadio Azteca - but he will be forced to make at least one change at right-back due to Jarell Quansah's two-match suspension.

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The position has been a consistent issue for Tuchel in the tournament with first-choice Reece James absent for the last three games after starting against Croatia and Ghana in the group stages.

James' injury issues have seen Quansah and Djed Spence drafted in as cover options, and despite the Chelsea captain returning to training ahead of the Norway game, t's unclear if Tuchel is confident he can start.

FIFA opted to upgrade Quansah's ban from one game to two games, in a further blow to England, but Ezri Konsa - who covered the role after his dismissal in Mexico City - is ready to step in again if needed.

"With the heat and everything and having to change positions, going to right-back with a man down, it's not easy.

"You have to tuck in and then, when the ball gets switched, you've got to run out and try and stop crosses. In the first 10 minutes it was tough, because I was feeling it a little bit, but I had to find a switch and overcome it.

"I'll always play wherever the manager wants me to. As long as I'm on the pitch and helping the team, I'm happy no matter where I play."

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