England’s 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign just got significantly harder. Right-back Reece James went down with a hamstring injury during the team’s goalless draw against Ghana on June 23, prompting teammates and medical staff to huddle around him on the pitch in a scene that no England supporter wanted to see.
The injury is more than a single-game problem. James is now doubtful for England’s Round of 16 clash against Mexico on July 5, and here’s the kicker: FIFA’s tournament rules mean England can’t call up a replacement. Whatever squad Thomas Tuchel brought to the party is the squad he’s stuck with.
England’s defensive depth is paper thin
James’ hamstring issue didn’t arrive in a vacuum. Before the tournament even kicked off, right-back Tino Livramento was forced to withdraw with a calf injury. His replacement, Trevoh Chalobah, was a late addition to a squad already thin on defensive options.
Ongoing fitness concerns around defender Jarell Quansah only compound the headache for Tuchel’s backline planning.
