England squad faces full-back concerns
England manager Thomas Tuchel has addressed his full-back selections following injuries to key players ahead of the upcoming World Cup 2026 fixtures. Reece James, a right-back for Chelsea, is confirmed to miss Saturday’s match against Panama due to a hamstring issue. James did not travel with the squad to New Jersey from their Kansas City base for the final Group L game.
Concerns have been raised regarding Tuchel’s decision to include only three recognised full-backs in the squad: James, Djed Spence, and Tino Livramento. Livramento has already returned home from the United States due to a calf injury. While James is expected to miss the Panama game, Tuchel remains hopeful he could feature in England’s last-32 match next week, despite suggestions he is a significant doubt for the start of the knockout stages.
Tuchel stated that James is undergoing an accelerated rehabilitation program and that the team is taking it game by game, with a strong belief he will be available during the tournament. He defended his selection, noting his satisfaction with the characteristics and strengths of the players chosen. Alternative options for right-back include Spence and central defenders Jarell Quansah and Ezri Konsa.
Midfielders return to training
In more positive news for the England squad, midfielders Declan Rice and Elliot Anderson have returned to training and are expected to be available for the Panama match. Rice, who plays for Arsenal, missed training on Thursday due to a calf issue but was back on Friday. He had left the Boston Stadium after the Ghana game with strapping on his left calf, but it was believed the knock only required rest.
Anderson also missed Thursday’s training session but was present on Friday. Tuchel confirmed that Bukayo Saka is ready to start against Panama, having come off the bench in the initial two matches due to a long-term Achilles tendinitis complaint. England is guaranteed a place in the knockout stages, even if they were to finish third in their group.
The team can secure the top spot in Group L with a victory over Panama. Meanwhile, during Panama’s training session on Friday, an altercation occurred between two players, Cecilio Waterman and Jose Luis Rodriguez, who had to be separated by teammates. Panama coach Thomas Christiansen viewed this incident as a positive sign, indicating the team’s competitive spirit and desire to be in the starting XI.
Squad depth and tactical considerations
The injuries to James and Livramento have brought the depth of England’s full-back positions into focus. Nico O’Reilly, who played left-back for Manchester City last season, is in the squad but is primarily a midfielder. Dan Burn, also in the squad, is recognised as a centre-back but has played at left-back.
Tuchel acknowledged that while the team would prefer to have all key players available, finding solutions is part of tournament play. James and Livramento have had previous injury histories, which has led to some questioning Tuchel’s decision to include both in the World Cup squad. Despite these challenges, the manager expressed confidence in his team’s ability to adapt.
The match against Panama is scheduled for Saturday at 22:00 BST.
Source: bbc.com