England v Panama LIVE: World Cup team news as Reece James injury gives Thomas Tuchel selection headache – UK Times

England have suffered an injury blow with Reece James ruled out of their clash with Panama because of a hamstring problem.

The right-back is also a doubt for their last-32 tie as he faces a race against time to be available for England’s first knockout match.

Manager Thomas Tuchel said: “Reece has a minor hamstring issue. He was not able to train in the last two days. He is now in an accelerated rehabilitation programme and we take it game by game. But there is some belief that he will be available for us [again] in the tournament.

“We have hopes that he will be fit for the next match. It can be a tight one. But the hopes are still alive.”

Reece James will miss Saturday’s clash with Panama and may not return in time for England’s last-32 tie, with Djed Spence set to switch flanks and Nico O’Reilly to return at left-back.

Declan Rice and Elliot Anderson are also notable injury concerns for Tuchel. Rice is a yellow card away from being suspended for the round of 32, so is likely to be rested for the Panama match with Kobbie Mainoo or Jordan Henderson playing in his stead.

Bukayo Saka may still have to wait for a first World Cup start as his fitness continues to be managed, with Noni Madueke in line to keep his place on the right.

England still have work to do to top Group L, and will do so if they beat Panama and better Ghana’s result against Croatia.

Since England and Ghana drew 0-0, it would come down to goal difference to determine who finishes top if they are level on points. Ghana could overhaul England if they beat Croatia by a big scoreline.

An England win, combined with a draw between Ghana and Croatia, or a Croatia win, would confirm top spot.

England’s clash with Panama kicks off at 10pm BST (5pm ET) on Saturday 27 June at New York/New Jersey Stadium.

Viewers in the UK can watch the match on ITV1 with coverage starting at 8:45pm BST. It can also be streamed on ITVX.

England still have work to do to ensure the most favourable draw in the World Cup knockouts as they face Panama in their group-stage finale, even after their place in the next round was confirmed.

Thomas Tuchel’s side missed out on the chance to seal top spot in Group L a game early when they were held to a drab goalless draw against Ghana on Tuesday, failing to keep up momentum built from a fantastic opening display in the 4-2 over Croatia.

With England now tied with Ghana on four points at the group’s pinnacle, their clash with Panama has turned into a must-win match, though they enter the clash against the already-eliminated nation as heavy favourites and having already guaranteed progression to the next round.

Victory for the Three Lions will set up a round of 32 meeting with a third-place team from one of Group I/J/K, which could see them meet Senegal, who thrashed Iraq 5-0 to ensure their qualification for the knockout stages, or DR Congo if they beat Uzbekistan.