Reece James is not expected to train with England’s main group ahead of their huge last-16 clash with Mexico in Mexico City.
The Three Lions’ World Cup hopes have been hit by a series of injuries to the right side of their defence throughout the tournament, although it had been hoped that the Chelsea captain would be fit to start at the Azteca Stadium.
However, Daily Mail Sport understands that the 26-year-old will not be with the rest of the squad when they undertake their final session later today at Club Universidad Nacional’s training complex, and will instead undertake an individual programme.
While no final decisions have been made, the development would suggest that it is unlikely James is in line to start against the Mexicans, although it remains to be seen if he will play some part.
James, the starting right-back, has missed the last two games with a hamstring problem picked up in the 0-0 draw with Ghana on June 23.
His replacement, Jarell Quansah, twisted his ankle in the following match against Panama and has not played since. And, before a ball was kicked, Newcastle full-back Tino Livramento was forced to return home after picking up a calf injury in training.
Reece James (right) has missed the last two England games with a hamstring problem
Tottenham’s Djed Spence played in the dramatic 2-1 victory over DR Congo, but head coach Thomas Tuchel had suggested that both James and Quansah were close to being available for that fixture, in Atlanta. Declan Rice filled in as an emergency right-back in the latter stages of the DR Congo game but will return to midfield.
Tuchel is a big admirer of Chelsea captain James and will be keen to bring him back into the fold.
England are due to train at 4pm local time, which is 11pm in the UK.
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