Thomas Tuchel must solve a defensive headache ahead of England's final Group L fixture against Panama on Saturday, with captain Reece James ruled out by a hamstring injury that could also sideline him for the knockout stages. The Chelsea right-back, 26, has played every minute of the tournament so far, but his absence leaves the squad without a recognised specialist in that position after Tino Livramento was forced out of the pre-tournament camp.
Former England defender Danny Mills has urged Tuchel to turn to John Stones, the 32-year-old centre-back who has started 65 times at right-back during his career. 'I'd be tempted to play John Stones there if he's fit,' Mills told Sky Sports. 'When I look at all the options – going forward, defensively, who's good on the ball – he's probably your best option, as a footballer, playing at right-back.' Stones began England's opening win over Croatia alongside Ezri Konsa at centre-half but was dropped to the bench for the goalless draw with Ghana.
“Reece James injury forces England to consider John Stones at right-back against Panama”
Mills, however, questioned why Tuchel did not call up a replacement right-back after Livramento's injury. 'I don't understand the defensive selection,' he admitted. 'We now don't have a recognised right-back in the squad. You're putting square pegs into round holes going into the biggest tournament.' Djed Spence, who has shared left-back duties with Nico O'Reilly, is the obvious candidate to switch flanks, while Konsa and Jarell Quansah can also cover.
Panama, by contrast, have no injury concerns over their most influential player. Adalberto Carrasquilla, the Concacaf men's player of the year, is expected to be available after a thigh injury sustained on 24 May. The 27-year-old midfielder, trained as a hairdresser in his youth, has yet to play a minute at this World Cup but is Panama's creative heartbeat. Panama’s squad is the oldest and most-capped at the tournament, yet they are playing for pride after early elimination. A sixth consecutive World Cup defeat would equal the longest 100% losing streak in the competition's history.
The Central Americans were humiliated 6-1 by England in 2018, but are now considered a 'more serious' threat, according to analysis in the Standard. Jose Cordoba, Norwich City's left-footed centre-back, has flourished since Philippe Clement's appointment and recorded the most ball recoveries per 90 minutes among Championship centre-backs last season.
With England needing a win to guarantee top spot after the Ghana stalemate, Tuchel's makeshift defence must cope without its captain – against a side desperate to avoid another comprehensive defeat.