Thomas Tuchel’s England squad arrived at the business end of Group L with a medical report that reads more like a physio’s to-do list. Three of the team’s most important players are carrying injuries ahead of the June 27 match against Panama at the New York/New Jersey Stadium, and at least two of them did not train with the group on June 25-26.
Reece James and Declan Rice both missed the session. James is dealing with a hamstring issue. Rice has a calf problem picked up in a previous match.
Who’s out and what’s wrong
James, Chelsea’s first-choice right back, has been a key piece of Tuchel’s defensive setup. A hamstring concern at this stage of a tournament is serious business.
Rice is the Arsenal midfielder who has become the engine of England’s press and their primary ball-carrier out of deep positions. His calf problem surfacing now, with the group stage still to be closed out, puts Tuchel in an uncomfortable spot.
