Declan Rice Returns to England Training; Reece James Misses Session
Doubt remains over James's availability for the Three Lions' final group game against Panama due to a hamstring issue.
Quick Look
- Declan Rice returned to England training after a calf knock, expected to be available for the Panama game.
- However, Chelsea defender Reece James missed the session due to a hamstring issue, casting doubt on his participation in the Three Lions' final group match.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
England is preparing for their final group game against Panama, with key players facing injury concerns and potential suspension risks.
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 £116m 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.
What to Watch
AI outlook — possibilities, not facts
Declan Rice will be available for the Panama game.
Very likely · Within days
England will secure top spot in Group L with a win over Panama.
Likely · Within days
Open Questions
- Will Reece James be available for the Panama game?
- Will Thomas Tuchel start Declan Rice despite suspension risk?
