Reece James has been ruled out of England v Panama and may be out of their last-32 match as well (Getty)England’s end to the group stage of the World Cup may not be as straightforward as expected, as they take on Panama tonight.Although Thomas Tuchel’s side have already qualified for the knockout stage of the tournament, they have been hit by the news of an injury to Reece James, who will miss tonight’s Group L fixture.In fact, the right back could be out of England’s last-32 game as well, but for Tuchel it is one problem at a time: first, he must decide how to proceed against Panama, who have nothing to lose in New Jersey after their elimination from the World Cup.Djed Spence, Ezri Konsa, Jarell Quansah, and Trevoh Chalobah are all options to replace James here, while Declan Rice is expected to be fit in midfield after his own injury scare. Follow live World Cup updates from the Group L game, below:What is the England team news after Reece James blow? 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.Jamie Braidwood27 June 2026 14:10How England can top Group L tonightEngland 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.Jamie Braidwood27 June 2026 14:09England v Panama: What you need to know before kick-offWhen is England vs Panama?England’s clash with Panama kicks off at 10pm BST (5pm ET) on Saturday 27 June at New York/New Jersey Stadium. How can I watch it?Viewers in the UK can watch the match on ITV1 with coverage starting at 8:45pm BST. It can also be streamed on ITVX.Jamie Braidwood27 June 2026 14:05Good afternoon and welcomeEngland 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. Jamie Braidwood27 June 2026 14:00