Thomas Tuchel, England manager, faces a deepening selection headache after confirming his first-choice right-back Reece James will miss at least two World Cup matches with a hamstring injury. The Chelsea captain reported tightness in the muscle after England's 0-0 draw against Ghana, and Tuchel confirmed he did not travel with the squad to New Jersey for the final group game against Panama. James will also sit out the last-32 knockout tie that follows.
James has a history of hamstring problems, having injured the same muscle playing for Chelsea against Newcastle on 14 March, which kept him out for nearly two months. Tuchel considers him his first-choice right-back and used him for the full 90 minutes in both the opening win over Croatia and the Ghana stalemate. Yet the congested nature of the World Cup – England hope to play eight matches in 33 days – always made managing his minutes a challenge.
“Why England's decision to take only three full-backs to the World Cup has backfired.”
Tuchel's selection policy at the tournament has come under scrutiny. He brought only three recognised full-backs: James, Tino Livramento and Djed Spence. Livramento returned home with a calf issue, leaving Spence as the only natural right-back available. Alternative options include Nico O'Reilly, who played at left-back for Manchester City last season but came through the ranks as a midfielder, and Dan Burn, primarily a centre-back. Jarell Quansah and Ezri Konsa, both central defenders, are also in the mix.
Despite the injuries, Tuchel defended his choices, saying: "Yes, I am happy with my options at right-back. I selected the team, so I'm very happy with everything with the characteristic of the players and strengths that they give us." He added: "We would love to have every single key player, we would love to have them available, it's not available – we find solutions, it's what we do."
For England fans, the situation raises practical concerns. With knockout football approaching, defensive stability is vital. The decision to take injury-prone players to a tournament where matches come thick and fast is being questioned. However, England have already secured a place in the last-32, even if they drop to third in their group. Tuchel remains optimistic James will play again in the World Cup, describing the injury as a "minor hamstring issue" and noting he is on an accelerated rehabilitation programme.
Q: How long is Reece James out for? A: He will miss England's final group game against Panama and the last-32 knockout match. Tuchel hopes he can return later in the tournament but said: "We see it as a minor hamstring issue… we take it game by game, but we strongly believe that he will be available for us in the tournament."
Q: Who will replace Reece James at right-back? A: Djed Spence is the only fit recognised right-back. Jarell Quansah, a centre-back, has played the position for England and could fill in. Ezri Konsa and Nico O'Reilly are also options.
Q: Why did England only bring three full-backs to the World Cup? A: Manager Thomas Tuchel chose a small squad in that position, preferring versatility. He said he selected a team with the characteristics and strengths he wanted. But injuries to James and Livramento have exposed a lack of specialist cover.
Next up, England face Panama on Saturday (22:00 BST). Tuchel confirmed Bukayo Saka, Declan Rice and Elliot Anderson are all available. James will not feature, and the manager must decide who starts at right-back. The last-32 tie follows, with James likely absent. Tuchel will hope his remaining defenders can step up.