- Reece James is set to miss England’s final World Cup group stage fixture against Panama due to a hamstring issue, having been conspicuously absent from Friday’s training session.
- The Chelsea captain's likely absence is an unwanted problem for England as the knockout stages approach, especially following the earlier withdrawal of natural back-up Tino Livramento due to a calf injury.
- Manager Thomas Tuchel may consider Djed Spence, Nico O’Reilly, or Jarell Quansah as potential replacements at full-back, with James being the only squad member not to train.
- In more positive news for the squad, Declan Rice participated in training after a recent calf assessment, and Arsenal team-mate Bukayo Saka is pushing for a start despite an Achilles problem.
- England are currently top of Group L with four points, level with Ghana but with a superior goal difference, and must equal or better Ghana’s result to secure the top spot, with Tuchel pondering several changes after the disappointing draw with Ghana.
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