Reece James is a significant doubt for England’s potential last-32 match next week after being assessed by England medics following Tuesday’s goalless draw against Ghana with a hamstring issue. Manager Thomas Tuchel has confirmed the Chelsea right-back did not travel with the squad from their Kansas City base to New Jersey for their final Group L game against Panama on Saturday.
Tuchel remains confident James will feature again in the tournament should England progress, describing it as a minor problem. “It’s a minor hamstring issue, he’s not been able to train the last two days,” the manager confirmed. “He’s now on an accelerated rehabilitation program and we take it game by game, but we strongly believe that he will be available.” BBC Sport understands, however, that James is a significant doubt for the start of the knockout stages.
The injury comes alongside a calf issue that has already forced Tino Livramento to return home from the United States, leaving Tuchel short of recognised full-backs. Djed Spence, James and Livramento were the only genuine full-backs selected for the squad. Nico O’Reilly, who played at left-back for Manchester City last season, is present but came through the Etihad Stadium ranks as a midfielder, while Dan Burn has played at left-back but is recognised as a centre-back.
Spence and central defenders Jarell Quansah and Ezri Konsa are among Tuchel’s alternative options at right-back. Despite the mounting injury concerns, Tuchel defended his selection decisions. “I selected the team, so I’m very happy with everything with the characteristic of the players and strengths that they give us,” he said. “We would love to have every single key player available — we find solutions, it’s what we do. It’s a tournament, we move on.”
There was better news elsewhere in the England camp. Tuchel confirmed that Bukayo Saka, Declan Rice and Elliot Anderson will all be available to face Panama. Rice, who had a calf issue, and Anderson, who suffered a glute problem, both missed training on Thursday but returned on Friday.
Image credit: BBC Sport / BBC Sport
