Bukayo Saka is set to make his first start of the World Cup against Panama tonight, after Thomas Tuchel was handed a major injury boost ahead of England's final Group L fixture.
The Arsenal winger, 24, has been given the all clear to start after being eased back from an Achilles issue that saw him miss the opening two matches. His return comes as the Three Lions look to end the group stage on a high following a drab 0-0 draw with Ghana on Tuesday.
“Bukayo Saka returns to England's starting XI for Panama clash as Reece James injury forces defensive reshuffle.”
Saka's absence had allowed Arsenal teammate Noni Madueke to fill in on the right flank, but Tuchel has now decided to throw Saka back into the fray. The winger scored 11 goals and provided nine assists in 49 appearances last season, playing a key role in Arsenal ending their Premier League title drought and coming agonisingly close to Champions League glory before losing on penalties to Paris Saint-Germain in last month's final.
While Saka returns, England have been hit by an injury to Reece James. The right-back will miss tonight's match and could also be out of the last-32 game after suffering a hamstring complaint. Tuchel faces a serious dilemma at right-back, with Djed Spence, Ezri Konsa, Jarell Quansah and Trevoh Chalobah all options to replace James. Spence gets the nod in the confirmed England XI: Pickford; Spence, Guehi, Konsa, O'Reilly; Mainoo, Henderson; Madueke, Bellingham, Rashford; Kane.
England have already qualified for the knockout stages after results in other groups went their way on Friday night. They top Group L on four points following an impressive opening win against Croatia and the stalemate with Ghana. Tuchel's side are aiming to seal top spot against Panama, who have nothing to lose after their elimination.
If England finish as group winners, they could face Mexico in the last-16 at the high-altitude Estadio Azteca, then Brazil in the quarter-finals, followed by Argentina in the semi-finals. If they finish runners-up, they would meet the second-placed team from Group K, likely Colombia or Portugal.
Panama, meanwhile, are without Adalberto Carrasquilla due to an adductor injury, while captain Anibal Godoy hopes to add to his one minute of World Cup action so far after being limited by a lack of match fitness.
Kick-off in New Jersey is at 8pm BST.