England World Cup 2026 Camp
It serves as a huge blow to Thomas Tuchel’s plans (Picture: FA/The FA via Getty Images)
England will be without Reece James for at least their next two World Cup matches with the Chelsea captain ruled out with a hamstring injury.
James, who has overcome a string of injury issues in recent years, has started each of England’s opening games against Croatia and Ghana but complained of muscle tightness after the goalless draw against the latter in Boston on Tuesday.
James did not train with the rest of the squad back at their training base in Kansas City on Friday.
The Three Lions face Panama in their final group match on Saturday in New York.
Don't miss a World Cup moment
In The Mixer factbox 23/06 (Picture: Getty) ARLINGTON, TEXAS - JUNE 22: Lionel Messi #10 of Argentina celebrates scoring his team's second goal during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group J match between Argentina and Austria at Dallas Stadium on June 22, 2026 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Maja Hitij - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
(Picture: Getty)
We're witnessing history at this World Cup – our daily newsletter helps you make the most of it. Sign up.
The Chelsea star will not be involved in that game with reports suggesting he will also sit out of the Three Lions last 32 match next week.
James is Thomas Tuchel’s first choice right-back with the German coach losing one back up option in Tino Livramento to injury just before the competition began.
Tuchel opted to call in Trevoh Chalobah to replace him – not a regular right-back but capable of filling in that role.
Ezri Konsa, who has started both games so far at centre-half, can also be moved out to the right, as can Jarell Quansah.
Reece James of England looks on during the FIFA World Cup
James will sit out of Saturday’s game against Panama (Picture: Getty Images)
Tuchel also has the option of Djed Spence, a natural right-back who started at left-back in the Ghana game.
More to follow
MORE: Why Erling Haaland is not playing for Norway against France in World Cup
MORE: World Cup games have lost their flow with hydration breaks after FIFA’s brazen call
MORE: Why Edouard Mendy is not playing for Senegal in must-win World Cup game
In The Mixer’s World Cup special
Everything you need to know about the World Cup – England updates, the games to watch and stories you missed – in five minutes, at 1pm, every day.