Reece James injury forces Tuchel into defensive reshuffle for England's must-win Panama clash

Reece James has been ruled out of England’s World Cup Group L finale against Panama in New Jersey, leaving Thomas Tuchel scrambling for a right-back solution with top spot still up for grabs.

England had already secured their place in the knockout stage heading into the match, but a goalless draw against Ghana on Tuesday means they enter the Panama game level on four points with Ghana at the top of the group. Victory is required to guarantee first place and the more favourable last-32 draw that comes with it.

James’s absence is a significant blow. The Chelsea full-back could also miss England’s round-of-32 fixture, though Tuchel has indicated he is taking the situation one game at a time. Djed Spence, Ezri Konsa, Jarell Quansah, and Trevoh Chalobah are all candidates to fill the void at right-back, while Declan Rice is expected to be fit in midfield after his own injury scare earlier in the tournament.

Panama arrive at the fixture with nothing to lose having already been eliminated, which could make them a dangerous opponent despite England’s status as heavy favourites. Tuchel’s side showed their attacking quality in a 4-2 opening win over Croatia, but struggled to replicate that form against Ghana.

A win for the Three Lions would set up a last-32 meeting with a third-place finisher from one of Groups I, J, or K. Potential opponents include Senegal, who confirmed their own knockout qualification with a 5-0 demolition of Iraq, or DR Congo, should they beat Uzbekistan.