Reece James has a hamstring injury. Tino Livramento has already flown home with a calf problem. Suddenly, England’s World Cup campaign – which began with an impressive win over Croatia – is being defined by a shortage at full-back. Thomas Tuchel, the England manager, brought only three recognised full-backs to the United States: James, Livramento and Djed Spence. With two of them now unavailable for Saturday’s group match against Panama, questions are being asked about the wisdom of that decision.
The basics are straightforward. Tuchel selected a 23-man squad (the standard World Cup size) with just three natural full-backs. James, a Chelsea right-back, has a “minor hamstring issue” and is undergoing an accelerated rehabilitation programme. He did not travel to New Jersey for the Panama game and is a significant doubt for the start of the knockout stages. Livramento, also a right-back, was sent home with a calf problem earlier in the tournament. That leaves Spence as the only fit, recognised full-back in the squad. To fill the void, Tuchel can turn to Nico O’Reilly – a Manchester City player who came through the ranks as a midfielder but played left-back last season – and Dan Burn, a centre-back who has occasionally filled in at left-back. Central defenders Jarell Quansah and Ezri Konsa are also options at right-back. Tuchel has insisted he is “happy with my options at right-back” and said: “I selected the team, so I’m very happy with everything with the characteristic of the players and strengths that they give us.”
“Explaining England's full-back injury crisis at the 2026 World Cup and Tuchel's squad selection gamble.”
The background to this crisis lies in the injury histories of James and Livramento. James has a long record of fitness problems, including hamstring and knee issues, and missed large parts of recent seasons. Livramento has also had significant injuries, including a serious knee injury earlier in his career. Critics argue that taking two injury-prone full-backs to a tournament was a gamble that has not paid off. However, Tuchel’s hand may have been forced by the limited pool of English full-backs available. The decision to include only three natural full-backs is not unprecedented in international football – some managers prefer to use versatile defenders who can cover multiple positions – but it carries risk when injuries strike.
For UK readers, this matters because England’s chances in the knockout stages could hinge on defensive solidity. The Three Lions have already qualified for the last 32, but topping Group L would give them a favourable draw. Without James and Livramento, Tuchel may have to rely on players who are not natural full-backs, potentially weakening the team’s balance and attacking threat from wide areas. Spence is the only specialist left, and his form at club level has been inconsistent. O’Reilly and Burn offer cover but lack the pace and crossing ability of James. Bukayo Saka, who has been managed due to long-term Achilles tendinitis, is now fit to start and could provide width, but he is primarily a winger. The situation also raises broader questions about England’s depth at full-back and whether more should have been done to develop alternatives.
Q: Why did Tuchel only bring three full-backs to the World Cup? Tuchel prioritised versatility and midfield depth. He chose to bring only three recognised full-backs – James, Livramento and Spence – along with O’Reilly (a midfielder who can play left-back) and Burn (a centre-back). This allowed him to select more options in other positions, but it left the squad exposed if injuries struck.
Q: Who can play right-back for England now? Djed Spence is the only fit natural right-back. Alternatives include central defenders Jarell Quansah and Ezri Konsa, both of whom have played at right-back in the past. Dan Burn could also fill in, though he is primarily a centre-back.
Q: How serious is Reece James’ injury? Tuchel described it as a “minor hamstring issue” and said James is on an accelerated rehabilitation programme. He is not available for the Panama match but the manager “strongly believes” he will play again in the tournament, possibly from the last-32 stage.
What happens next is that England face Panama on Saturday (22:00 BST) in their final group game. A win would secure top spot in Group L. The knockout stage draw will then be determined, and England’s medical staff will continue to work on James’ recovery. If James cannot return, Tuchel will have to rely on Spence and makeshift options for the remainder of the tournament. The decision to take a gamble on full-back numbers will only be vindicated if England progress deep into the competition without further injuries.