As England prepares for its decisive final Group L match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup against Panama, two key first-team players have missed the squad’s pre-match training session, casting uncertainty over their availability for Saturday’s kickoff. The most pressing question hangs over 26-year-old starting right-back Reece James, who sustained a hamstring injury during England’s goalless draw with Ghana on Tuesday.
James, a Chelsea star and a core fixture in manager Thomas Tuchel’s preferred starting eleven that has featured him in both of the Three Lions’ opening two World Cup matches, did not join his teammates for Thursday’s penultimate training session at England’s base in Kansas City. It is still unclear whether the defender will be fit enough to take the field against Panama, either in the starting lineup or as a substitute option when the two sides meet at New York New Jersey Stadium, with the match scheduled to kick off at 22:00 BST.
Joining James on the absentee list from Thursday’s session was 27-year-old midfield anchor Declan Rice, who left the matchday stadium following the Ghana draw with medical strapping wrapped around his left calf. However, insider sources close to the England camp have indicated that Rice’s fitness status is far less of a concern than James’.
Even with relatively minor fitness concerns, Tuchel still faces a selection dilemma over whether to start the Arsenal midfielder. Rice currently sits at risk of suspension for the knockout round of 32 after picking up a yellow card in the Ghana match, a factor that could push the manager to rest him for the final group fixture to avoid a suspension before the knockout stage.
Heading into the final group match, England holds a narrow advantage at the top of Group L. The Three Lions sit above Ghana on goal difference, and hold a one-point lead over Croatia, the side they defeated 4-2 in their opening World Cup fixture. A positive result against Panama will secure England’s place in the knockout round, making fitness updates for the squad’s key stars all the more important ahead of the clash.