England have been dealt a double injury scare on the eve of their crucial World Cup Group L clash with Panama, with Reece James and Declan Rice both absent from training on Thursday.
The optimism that swept through the England camp following a 4-2 victory over Croatia has been tempered by a goalless draw against Ghana, a performance that exposed the squad’s lack of depth in certain areas. Now, Thomas Tuchel faces a selection headache with two of his most important players struggling for fitness.
James hamstring concern
James, who started both of England’s opening matches, is understood to have suffered a hamstring injury against Ghana and is considered a major doubt for Saturday’s encounter at MetLife Stadium. The Chelsea right back has endured a torrid time with fitness issues throughout his career, with a knee injury ruling him out of the previous World Cup in Qatar and persistent hamstring problems dogging him since.
Tuchel’s decision to call up Trevoh Chalobah as cover rather than a natural full back placed significant faith in James’s body holding up. With Tino Livramento omitted from the squad, England are now left with only one natural replacement: Djed Spence.
The Tottenham defender, whose inclusion in the squad raised eyebrows given his sporadic club minutes, started at left back against Ghana and is the obvious candidate to replace James on the right. Tuchel also has the option of deploying Ezri Konsa or Jarell Quansah, both of whom have previously been used at full back, but Spence’s athleticism and defensive one on one prowess make him the most natural fit.
Rice fitness concern
There are fewer concerns over Rice, who was seen with strapping on his left calf as he departed Gillette Stadium after the Ghana match. The Arsenal midfielder revealed last week that he has been managing neural pain in a hamstring since December but insisted he is fit for the tournament.
However, Tuchel may be reluctant to risk his midfield anchor, not least because Rice is one booking away from a one match suspension. Should he be withdrawn, the German could drop Jude Bellingham from the number ten role to partner Elliot Anderson, with Morgan Rogers potentially coming into the side. Kobbie Mainoo and Jordan Henderson are also available options.
What’s at stake
England’s 0-0 draw with Ghana left them needing a positive result against Panama to secure top spot in Group L. The Panamanians have been one of the tournament’s surprise packages, holding Ghana to a draw and defeating Cape Verde 2-1. With qualification for the knockout stages at stake, Tuchel cannot afford to field a weakened side.
The manager refused to panic in the aftermath of the Ghana stalemate, but with James and Rice both struggling, his resolve may be tested. England fans, meanwhile, will be hoping the injury issues do not derail a campaign that started with such promise.
