Reece James sits out England training as hamstring issue clouds Panama clash

Reece James is unlikely to face Panama in England’s final World Cup Group L fixture on Saturday after sitting out training on the eve of the match with a hamstring issue, leaving Thomas Tuchel short of options at right-back.

The Chelsea captain, who played the full 90 minutes in both England’s 4-2 win over Croatia and the subsequent goalless draw with Ghana, was the only squad member absent from Friday’s session. The Football Association confirmed he is “following his own programme”.

The timing is particularly awkward for Tuchel given that James’s natural back-up, Tino Livramento, has already been ruled out of the tournament with a calf injury and replaced in the squad by Chelsea team-mate Trevoh Chalobah. With Livramento unavailable, Djed Spence is expected to shift to right-back, while Nico O’Reilly is likely to come in on the left. Jarell Quansah, whom Tuchel has identified as capable of covering either full-back position, is also in contention.

There was better news elsewhere in the camp. Declan Rice trained after being spotted with a bandaged calf following the Ghana draw, while Bukayo Saka is pushing for a start having worked through an Achilles problem.

Tuchel is expected to make several changes after Tuesday’s flat performance against Ghana. Marcus Rashford could replace Anthony Gordon on the left wing, and Kobbie Mainoo is an option in central midfield should the manager choose to protect Rice. John Stones, who was dropped to the bench for the Ghana game after starting against Croatia, may also return despite Ezri Konsa and Marc Guehi keeping a clean sheet in his absence.

England sit top of Group L on four points, level with Ghana but ahead on goal difference, with Croatia a point further back. Tuchel’s side are all but through to the knockout stage but must at minimum match Ghana’s result to secure top spot.