Elliot Anderson, the Nottingham Forest star whose £116m move to Manchester City has been agreed, is a doubt for England's crucial World Cup group stage finale against Panama on Saturday. The Three Lions need to secure top spot in Group L, but Thomas Tuchel may have to do without the midfielder, who is suffering from muscle soreness.
Anderson started both of England's opening games alongside Declan Rice, who also sparked injury fears after limping following the Ghana match. But while Rice trained with the squad on Friday, his partner in midfield remains an uncertainty. “Declan Rice and Elliot Anderson trained with us [Friday],” Tuchel said. “They had minor issues after the game but everyone is available for us apart from Reece James. We will take a decision tomorrow.”
“Elliot Anderson is a doubt for England's Panama clash due to muscle soreness, while Reece James is ruled out with a hamstring injury.”
The loss of James is a significant blow. The starting right-back has been ruled out for at least the next two World Cup fixtures with a hamstring injury. “He has a minor hamstring injury. Was not able to train the last two days,” Tuchel explained. “He’s on an accelerated rehab programme. We take it game by game but we strongly believe [he will play a part in tournament]. It is a bit unlucky. Reece is a key player.”
James’s absence leaves a hole in England’s defence, though Tuchel acknowledged the setback was unexpected. “No-one could see that coming, Reece felt good and was in good shape. We would love to have Reece, he’s a good player and we will look for solutions.”
For England fans, there is some comfort: it would take a very unusual scenario to prevent qualification, regardless of the result against Panama.