Earlier this week we reported on Declan Rice's suspension risk before England's meeting with Panama. The fresh issue is on the right side, where Reece James is now a major doubt after a hamstring problem, and [Thomas Tuchel] kept talking up rotation before the final Group L game.

James' hamstring problem and England's right-back options

James suffered the hamstring injury during England's goalless draw with Ghana on Tuesday. England had already lost Tino Livramento to a tournament-ending calf injury before the competition began, which leaves the squad lighter than Tuchel would want for a match that still matters for group control.

That is why Ian Wright's view carries some weight. Speaking to metro.co.uk, he said: "But I think with Djed Spence there and bringing Saka in now, he's had some rest, you've got to think a bit more from the attacking point of view and what we are capable of."

Wright expects Djed Spence to step in, and there is a decent case for it after Spence started at left-back against Ghana ahead of Nico O'Reilly. Tuchel has other emergency routes too, with Ezri Konsa, Jarell Quansah and Trevoh Chalobah all in the frame. Tuchel also said: "I am not shy to do some rotation now."

Rice's workload stays part of the picture

Rice missing training does not carry the same alarm as James' hamstring issue, but it is another reminder that England are managing bodies rather than just picking names. He has been dealing with neural pain in his hamstring since the festive period, and he has already made 55 club appearances this season.

At the tournament, Rice has played in both matches and logged 162 minutes. England are top of Group L on 4 points with a +2 goal difference, so Tuchel can make a change or two without turning the fixture into a scramble. Panama vs England is still the next step, and the main decision now is whether Tuchel uses it to protect James' side of the pitch or leans into Wright's call for a more attacking approach.

Written by Jack Mercer with AI-assisted research, cross-checked against 3 outlets. How we work →