Reece James was absent from England training again on Friday as a hamstring issue threatens to sideline him for the decisive World Cup group match against Panama — and leaves Thomas Tuchel facing a defensive headache before the knockout stages.
The Chelsea defender, who felt the problem in Tuesday's 0-0 draw with Ghana, was not on the pitch with his teammates in Kansas City, instead following an individual programme inside the training base. It is the latest blow for a player whose career has been repeatedly disrupted by injury, and with England’s final group game on Saturday, the 26-year-old looks set to miss out.
“Reece James misses England training with hamstring injury, casting doubt on his availability for Panama World Cup clash.”
Tuchel has alternatives at right-back: Jarell Quansah, Djed Spence and Ezri Konsa are the head coach’s other options. But James is a key player for England and Tuchel will hope the issue is not something that keeps him out of the tournament in the longer term.
The news is more encouraging in midfield. Declan Rice returned to training on Friday after missing Thursday’s session with strapping on his left calf, which he sustained in the Ghana match. The knock needed rest, and the Arsenal midfielder is expected to be available for Saturday’s game (22:00 BST). However, Tuchel may be reluctant to start Rice as he is at risk of suspension for the round of 32 after being booked against Ghana.
Rice’s midfield partner Elliot Anderson — poised for a £116m move from Nottingham Forest to Manchester City — also missed Thursday’s session but was present on Friday. Bukayo Saka and Marcus Rashford are pushing for starts as England look to secure top spot in Group L and plot their route through the knockout stages.
England have experienced a rollercoaster of emotions at this World Cup: frustration from lacklustre defending against Croatia gave way to euphoria after a statement second-half display, followed by an uninspiring stalemate with Ghana. A victory over Panama would provide the perfect cure to that hangover and ensure England finish top of the group.
For now, all eyes are on James’s fitness — and whether the injury curse has struck again at the worst possible moment.