Reece James has reportedly been ruled out for at least the next two games for England at the World Cup.
James missed training on Thursday ahead of the Three Lions' clash against Panama this weekend with a hamstring issue.
Reece James for England at the World Cup against Ghana.
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James is going to miss at least two games for England at the World CupCredit: Getty
And according to the Guardian, the problem will rule him out of action in that game and a potential Round of 32 tie at least.
If England make it further, there are also doubts surrounding James' fitness for the tournament going forward.
The Chelsea right-back picked up the knock during Thomas Tuchel's side's 0-0 draw with Croatia on Wednesday night.
He has played the full 90 minutes in both of England's games at the World Cup so far, with the nation now dealt a blow.
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Jarrell Quansah is understood to be in line to replace him in the starting line-up against Panama on Saturday evening.
Tino Livramento would also have been in the conversation to replace James, but he pulled out with an injury before the tournament.
Tuchel will now have to work out what to do with his defence after losing one of his key stars for the final group game.
England take on Panama at 10pm on Saturday, live on talkSPORT.
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Reece James for England against Croatia at the World Cup.
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James has played every minute of the World Cup so far for EnglandCredit: Getty
Hamstring hell
The 26-year-old's latest hamstring injury adds to his fitness nightmare throughout his career so far.
He has suffered a shocking 10 hamstring issues since December 2020, with this now taking his tally to 11.
It appeared that James had potentially got past the worst of his problems last season, recovering in time for the World Cup.
He played 39 times for Chelsea last term, which added up to his highest appearances since the 2021/22 campaign.
But at the worst time, his issues seem to have resurfaced.
And there will be real concern over whether James will be able to work back to full fitness at all in North America.
Reece James England training
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James continues to have major problems with his hamstring amid injury hellCredit: Getty
Selection regret?
England boss Tuchel may now regret not selecting Trent Alexander-Arnold for his World Cup squad this summer.
James appeared to always be his starter, but Alexander-Arnold was snubbed from even making the 26 for the tournament.
Instead, Livramento was picked, along with Quansah and makeshift right-backs Djed Spence and Ezri Konsa.
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But with Livramento also having a worrying injury history, just like James, the decision appears not to have paid off.
The pair have both now been ruled out and it leaves Tuchel having to play players out of position just three games in.
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