Sports Update 1 month ago ⏱ 2 min read

World Cup 2026: Declan Rice back in England training but Reece James out

World Cup 2026: Declan Rice back in England training but Reece James out
World Cup 2026: Declan Rice back in England training but Reece James out BBCReece James an England injury worry after complaining of tight hamstring The GuardianReece James a major doubt for Panama match The TelegraphDeclan Rice has been managing neural hamstring pain at the World Cup: What is it? - The Athletic The New York TimesEngland assessing fitness of Declan Rice, Reece James before Panama World Cup clash ESPN
Declan Rice returned to England training on Friday but Reece James missed the session as doubt remained about his availability for the Three Lions' final group game against Panama.

Chelsea defender James has a hamstring issue which arose in England's 0-0 draw with Ghana on Tuesday, and he was missing from group training before the squad's departure to New York.

The 26-year-old was following an individual programme inside the training base in Kansas City but was not on the pitch with the rest of his team-mates.

Jarell Quansah, Djed Spence and Ezri Konsa are head coach Thomas Tuchel's alternative options at right-back.

James is a key player for England and Tuchel will hope that the issue is not something that will keep him out of the tournament in the longer term.

Rice left the Boston Stadium after the Ghana draw with strapping on his left calf and missed training on Thursday - but it was felt the knock just needed rest.

The Arsenal midfielder is expected to be available for the Panama game on Saturday (22:00 BST).

It remains to be seen if Tuchel is willing to start Rice, though, as he is at risk of suspension for the round of 32 after he was booked against Ghana.

Rice's midfield partner Elliot Anderson - poised for a ÂŁ116m move from Nottingham Forest to Manchester City - was another who was absent from England's session on Thursday, but he was present on Friday.

England can secure top spot in Group L and then plot their route through the knockout stages with a win over Panama.

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