Reece James ruled out indefinitely as England face Panama with Group L top spot at stake

Reece James will miss at least England’s final Group L fixture against Panama at New York/New Jersey Stadium on Saturday after failing to train with the squad in Kansas City, with a hamstring injury ruling him out indefinitely.

The Chelsea right-back entered the 2026 World Cup carrying a pre-existing hamstring complaint and aggravated it during England’s 0-0 draw with Ghana. Despite that, James played the full 90 minutes in both of England’s opening group games — against Ghana and Croatia — before the injury worsened to the point where he could not take part in training.

His absence leaves Thomas Tuchel short of one of his most trusted defensive options at a critical moment. England need only a win or a draw against Panama to advance to the round of 32, and could also secure first place in Group L if Ghana fail to win their concurrent fixture. Tuchel is expected to turn to Jarell Quansah, Djed Spence, or Ezri Konsa to fill the void at right-back.

The timing is a familiar blow for James, who has endured persistent injury misfortune at major tournaments. He was named in England’s 2022 World Cup squad in Qatar but was ruled out before a ball was kicked due to a knee injury, meaning Saturday’s game against Panama — his first appearance at a World Cup — came after years of waiting. Whether he can return later in the tournament will depend on how the hamstring responds to treatment in the coming days.