Worrying update issued after England players missed training days before tonight's World Cup game
England has suffered an injury setback ahead of their final Group L game against Panama tonight (27 June).
Thomas Tuchel’s men will aim to top the group without their number one right back Reece James who has suffered a hamstring injury.
Sky Sports News reports that the Chelsea captain is expected to be sidelined well into the knockout stages after picking up the injury late in Tuesday’s goalless draw against Ghana.
The right-back hasn’t travelled with the squad to New Jersey for the Panama match and his absence creates a problem for the manager.
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Tuchel called up Chelsea defender Trevoh Chalobah after back-up right-back Tino Livramento withdrew from the squad before the World Cup with another hamstring injury, leaving England short of natural right-backs.
Djed Spence, the most obvious replacement, has filled in at left back ahead of Nico O'Reilly, while centre-backs Jarrel Quansah and Ezri Konsa could also come into the mix.
“I don't understand the defensive selection especially once Livramento was out of the squad. I don't get calling up Chalobah in the slightest,” former England right-back Danny Mills said on Sky Sports News.
“John Stones could play right-back and fill in. Kyle Walker could fill in as a deputy. He played 36 games in the Premier League last season. 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 that you could potentially win after what England have done previously.”
Tuchel, meanwhile, said in a press conference that ‘no one could see’ James’ injury coming, despite his well-documented record. Since the 2019/20 season, James has spent more than 800 days on the sidelines.
"The thinking of calling Chalobah is to free up Quansah on the right full-back position for us," said Tuchel. "I saw him playing very strongly there for Liverpool and he played enough in a back three - which is not so far from the position - in Leverkusen. And we have Djed Spence.
"No one could see that [James injury] coming. Reece was in good shape.
"Konsa played in that right-back position as well for us on a high level. No problem. We would love to have Reece as a key player but he's not available. We will find solutions. That's what we do."
Anderson and Rice missed training
Elliot Anderson suffered a glute injury against Ghana - it's not expected to be serious.
There’s also been question marks surrounding midfield engine Declan Rice’s fitness as he missed part of Thursday's session. Although, he did train fully on Friday.
Despite injury concerns, England have already secured qualification for the last 32.
Victory over Panama, or matching Ghana's result against Croatia, would guarantee top spot in Group L and potentially set up a favourable first knockout tie against Senegal.
Kick off is at 10pm on ITV, as I’m sure you’re aware.
Anish Vij