Jarell Quansah Thrives in Tuchel’s England Plans After World Cup Setback

Jarell Quansah has moved quickly from World Cup disappointment to a prominent role in Thomas Tuchel’s England plans, with the Bayer Leverkusen defender featuring across the back line during the Nations League campaign.

The 23-year-old had faced the prospect of slipping down the international order after a red card in a costly World Cup knockout match. Instead, Tuchel has selected him for three of England’s opening four Group A3 fixtures and used his adaptability in a reshaped defence.

Quick facts

• Quansah started three of England’s first four Nations League matches.
• He played at right-back against Spain and Croatia, ahead of Trent Alexander-Arnold.
• He partnered Alexander-Arnold in central defence for England’s Wembley win over Czechia.
• England can seal a Nations League quarter-final place in next month’s final Group A3 games.
• Croatia visit Wembley before England travel to Madrid to meet Spain.

Quansah was deployed on the right in the home defeat by Spain and the important win in Croatia, with his former Liverpool team-mate Alexander-Arnold left out of that role. Tuchel then brought the pair together for the Czechia victory at Wembley, with Quansah returning to the centre of defence.

The Leverkusen player said the competition between the two should benefit England rather than create a personal rivalry. He pointed to the contrasting options they provide, citing his own ability to carry power down the flank and Alexander-Arnold’s passing range from right-back.

Having played alongside Alexander-Arnold for years at Liverpool, Quansah said it was pleasing to share the pitch with an “outstanding player” again. He stressed that different opponents and match situations can call for different profiles.

Central defence remains Quansah’s preferred role. He said he has played there since the age of 10 or 11 and welcomed the chance to perform in that position for England at Wembley.

Tuchel’s side are seeking to leave behind the fallout from their World Cup exit through a more assertive approach. Quansah believes England have shown in this camp that they can take control against leading nations in a demanding group rather than retreat after taking the lead.

He described a collective pressing mentality in which England look for another goal immediately after scoring, with players covering for one another when an opponent gets beyond the first challenge. The defender said the squad want to keep developing while maintaining that aggression and dominance.

England’s remaining fixtures will determine whether they reach the Nations League quarter-finals, but Quansah also sees them as significant preparation for the European Championship. Croatia’s visit to Wembley is followed by the Madrid meeting with Spain, two opponents England could encounter again at the Euros.

Quansah said the Nations League is the team’s next major target and an opportunity to win a trophy for the country. He added that facing high-level opponents now is an important step towards the next major tournament.