England manager Thomas Tuchel has defended his squad selection after Reece James was ruled out of Saturday’s World Cup group match against Panama due to a hamstring injury.
James, who had already been assessed by England’s medical staff after discomfort following the goalless draw with Ghana, did not travel with the squad from Kansas City to New Jersey for the final Group L fixture. While Tuchel remains optimistic that the Chelsea defender could return later in the tournament, concerns are growing that he may also miss the start of the knockout stage.
The injury adds to England’s defensive concerns, with Tino Livramento already returning home due to a calf issue. The situation has raised questions over Tuchel’s decision to take only three specialist full-backs to the tournament.
Djed Spence is the only natural right-back currently available, with alternative options including centre-backs Jarell Quansah and Ezri Konsa, while Nico O’Reilly and Dan Burn offer additional cover in wider defensive roles.
Despite the criticism, Tuchel stood by his squad balance and insisted he remains confident in his available options.
“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,” Tuchel said.
“We would love to have every single key player available, but they’re not available – we find solutions. It’s a tournament, we move on.”
Tuchel confirmed James is undergoing an accelerated rehabilitation programme and believes the defender will still feature later in the competition.
“It’s a minor hamstring issue… we strongly believe that he will be available,” he added.
There was better news for England regarding Bukayo Saka, Declan Rice and Elliot Anderson, all of whom are expected to be available for the Panama match. Rice and Anderson had briefly missed training earlier in the week but returned on Friday, while Saka is also fit to start after managing a long-term Achilles issue.
England remain confident of progressing to the knockout stages regardless of their final group result.
