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World Cup 2026: Thomas Tuchel defends full-back selection after Reece James injury
England manager Thomas Tuchel has defended his full-back selection policy after confirming Reece James will miss Saturday's World Cup match against Panama.
As revealed by BBC Sport this week, James was assessed by England medics following Tuesday's goalless draw against Ghana after complaining of a hamstring issue.
Tuchel has since confirmed that the Chelsea right-back has not travelled to New Jersey from their Kansas City base for their final Group L game against Panama on Saturday (22:00 BST). He insists James has a chance of playing in England's last-32 match next week.
However, BBC Sport understands that James is a significant doubt for the start of the knockout stages, with England now guaranteed a place even if they were to drop to third in their group.
Reece James injury: England right-back's World Cup potentially over due to hamstring problem
Reece James suffered a hamstring injury in the 0-0 draw with Ghana on Tuesday; Chelsea captain could now miss the rest of the World Cup; Thomas Tuchel will have to choose from Djed Spence, Ezri Konsa, Jarell Quansah and Trevoh Chalobah as his new right-back
Reece James' World Cup could be over – if England fail to reach the latter stages of the competition.
Sky Sports News has been told James will be unavailable until well into the knockout stages of the tournament as he battles to recover from a hamstring injury.
James was seen beckoning to the bench late in the 0-0 draw with Ghana on Tuesday but was unable to be replaced because Thomas Tuchel had already made all five substitutions.
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Elliot Anderson a doubt for England vs. Panama, Reece James out – The Athletic
Anderson and James have started both of England's World Cup group games so far. Marc Atkins/Getty Images
The Athletic has live coverage of England vs. Panama at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Elliot Anderson is a doubt for England’s final Group L game against Panama with muscle soreness while Reece James will miss Saturday’s match with a minor hamstring problem in a pre-planned move.
Anderson, 23, started the first two matches of the World Cup in midfield for Thomas Tuchel’s side, playing a total of 163 minutes against Croatia and Ghana, but may not feature at MetLife Stadium with a glute issue.
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