By Bilal Ahmed
England manager Thomas Tuchel has addressed concerns regarding his full-back selections for the World Cup 2026, following the confirmation that Reece James will miss the upcoming match against Panama. James, a right-back for Chelsea, is sidelined due to a hamstring issue.
The injury to James, along with a calf problem that led to Tino Livramento returning home from the United States, has raised questions about Tuchel’s decision to include only three recognised full-backs in the squad. The initial selection featured Djed Spence, James, and Livramento as the primary full-back options.
Tuchel confirmed that James did not travel from the team’s base in Kansas City to New Jersey for the final Group L game against Panama, scheduled for Saturday. Despite this, the manager expressed confidence that James could still feature in a potential last-32 match next week, should England progress in the tournament. However, reports suggest that James remains a significant doubt for the start of the knockout stages.
Squad Depth and Manager’s Confidence
The England squad includes other players who can cover the full-back positions, though they are not primarily recognised in those roles. Nico O’Reilly, who played at left-back for Manchester City last season, originally developed as a midfielder. Similarly, Dan Burn, primarily a centre-back, has also played at left-back. For the right-back position, Tuchel’s alternative options include Spence and central defenders Jarell Quansah and Ezri Konsa.
Tuchel stated his satisfaction with the available options, emphasising his confidence in the team he selected. He highlighted the characteristics and strengths that each player brings to the squad. The manager acknowledged the challenge of key players being unavailable but stressed the team’s ability to find solutions and adapt during the tournament.
Both James and Livramento have a history of injuries, which has led to scrutiny of Tuchel’s decision to include them in the World Cup squad. Despite these concerns, Tuchel remains optimistic about James’s return. He described James’s injury as a minor hamstring issue, noting that the player has been undergoing an accelerated rehabilitation program. The manager believes James will be available later in the tournament.
Team Availability for Panama Match
In more positive news for the England camp, Bukayo Saka, Declan Rice, and Elliot Anderson are all expected to be available for the match against Panama. Rice, who had a calf issue, and Anderson, who was dealing with a glute problem, both missed training on Thursday but returned to participate on Friday.
Saka, who has been managing a long-term Achilles tendinitis complaint, is confirmed to be ready to start the game. He had previously come off the bench in England’s opening two matches of the tournament. The team is looking to secure a victory against Panama, which could confirm their position as group winners and help them return to winning ways after a goalless draw against Ghana in their previous fixture.
Ivan Toney is also part of the England squad and is described as a player who can make an impact from the bench, particularly if England needs to chase a goal. His role is seen as bringing chaos inside the area and making things happen, potentially from set pieces. The team is preparing for their final group game in New Jersey on Saturday.
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Source: bbc.com
