England manager Thomas Tuchel defends full-back selection amid Reece James injury concern

By Amelia Stockwell · Sports Reporter · 27.06.2026

By Amelia Stockwell — 27 June 2026 — 3 min read

England manager Thomas Tuchel has addressed his full-back selection strategy following the confirmation that Reece James will not participate in England’s World Cup match against Panama on Saturday. James, a right-back for Chelsea, was assessed by medical staff after reporting a hamstring issue following Tuesday’s goalless draw against Ghana.

Tuchel confirmed that James did not travel with the squad from their Kansas City base to New Jersey for the final Group L game. Despite this, Tuchel maintains that James has a chance of featuring in England’s last-32 match next week. However, reports suggest that James is a significant doubt for the initial knockout stages, even though England has secured a place in the next round.

Squad Selection Under Scrutiny

The injuries to James and Tino Livramento, who returned home due to a calf issue, have raised questions about Tuchel’s decision to bring only three recognised full-backs to the tournament. The genuine full-backs initially selected were Djed Spence, James, and Livramento. Nico O’Reilly, who played left-back for Manchester City last season, is also in the squad, though he developed as a midfielder. Dan Burn, primarily a centre-back, has also played at left-back.

Tuchel’s alternative options at right-back include Spence and central defenders Jarell Quansah and Ezri Konsa. Despite the concerns, Tuchel expressed satisfaction with his choices, stating, “Yes, I am [happy with my options at right-back]. I selected the team, so I’m very happy with everything with the characteristic of the players and strengths that they give us.”

He added, “We would love to have every single key player, we would love to have them available, it’s not available – we find solutions, it’s what we do. It’s a tournament, we move on.” The injury histories of James and Livramento have particularly brought Tuchel’s squad decisions into focus.

Injury Updates and Player Availability

James is currently undergoing an accelerated rehabilitation program for a minor hamstring issue and has not trained for the past two days. Tuchel remains confident that James will be available at some point during the tournament. James was not with his teammates for Friday’s training session in Kansas City, instead following an individual program.

In more positive news for the England squad, Bukayo Saka, Declan Rice, and Elliot Anderson are all expected to be available for the match against Panama. Rice, who had strapping on his left calf and missed training on Thursday, returned to training on Friday. Anderson, who also missed Thursday’s session due to a glute issue, was present on Friday.

Saka is prepared to start after making substitute appearances in the first two matches, having been managing a long-term Achilles tendinitis complaint. England aims to secure the top spot in Group L with a victory over Panama.

Panama’s Preparations

During Panama’s training session on Friday, an altercation occurred between players Cecilio Waterman and Jose Luis Rodriguez, who had to be separated by teammates. However, Panama coach Thomas Christiansen viewed the incident positively, suggesting it indicated the team’s competitive spirit.

Christiansen commented, “What happened today in training, this is a normal situation. I would’ve liked to see these situations more often, that means the team is alive. They are willing to do a good effort, to be in the first XI for the game.” He concluded that if such incidents happen again, it would be “a good sign that they are alive.”

England will face Panama on Saturday at 22:00 BST.

Source: bbc.com

Amelia Stockwell

Sports Reporter

Amelia Stockwell is a Sports Reporter at News GB. She covered two Commonwealth Games for a national outlet. She focuses on tennis, cricket and athletics and is known for clear, deadline-driven reporting. She holds a degree in Sport and Media from the University of York and completed an NCTJ diploma. Now based in York, she runs with a local club and follows county cricket. “The quiet stories often matter most by the end of the season.”