Tuchel sweats on James, Rice and Saka fitness ahead of England's Panama decider

Thomas Tuchel is managing a growing injury list as England approach their final World Cup Group L fixture against Panama, with Reece James, Declan Rice, and Bukayo Saka all carrying fitness concerns.

James is now reportedly a major doubt after missing training on Thursday with a hamstring issue. The Chelsea right-back’s absence is compounded by the fact that his natural deputy, Tino Livramento, was ruled out before the tournament even began, leaving Tuchel short of cover in that position.

England have already secured a place in the knockout phase and sit in pole position to win the group, meaning a victory over Panama would confirm top spot. That context may have led to James being rested regardless, given his injury history in recent seasons. But the concern is whether his absence could extend beyond Sunday’s game and into the knockout rounds.

Rice was seen with a dressing around his calf late in England’s stalemate with Ghana, and reports suggest he has been managing the issue for several months. The midfielder also missed Thursday’s training session, though sources have indicated the problem is not considered serious at this stage.

Saka, meanwhile, arrived at the tournament nursing an Achilles injury and has been limited to substitute appearances. England have felt his absence in the starting lineup — Noni Madueke showed flashes of promise against Croatia, but Tuchel’s side have lacked the consistent attacking threat that Arsenal’s talisman typically provides.

Both Saka and Rice endured a demanding domestic season with Arsenal, which ended with the club claiming a first Premier League title in more than two decades. The physical toll of that campaign is now being felt on the international stage.

With the knockout phase approaching in a tournament expanded to accommodate more teams and more matches, the timing of these fitness concerns is far from ideal for Tuchel. England’s group campaign has produced moments of genuine quality — particularly in the second half against Croatia — but also raised questions about consistency and squad depth that will need answers before the stakes rise further.