England have a familiar problem heading into their final group stage match at the 2026 World Cup: Reece James and his hamstring are not on speaking terms again.
The Chelsea right-back picked up a tight hamstring during England’s 0-0 draw with Ghana on June 24, and the concern has only grown since. James missed a training session on June 26, leaving manager Thomas Tuchel to weigh his options ahead of the Panama fixture.
England face Panama on June 28 at New York New Jersey Stadium, with the match serving as their last chance to wrap up the group stage on their terms. Tuchel, by all accounts, is not inclined to gamble with James’s fitness given how quickly a “tight” hamstring can become a serious tear.
A familiar villain for James
James has spent a significant portion of the last several seasons navigating recurring hamstring problems that have repeatedly interrupted his club and international career.
