England dealt injury blow as key player misses training before Panama match

Stay up to date with notifications from The IndependentNotifications can be managed in browser preferences.Jump to contentThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged inAllNewsSportCultureLifestyleReece James is set to miss England’s final World Cup group stage fixture against Panama due to a hamstring issue, having been conspicuously absent from Friday’s training session. The Chelsea captain's likely absence is an unwanted problem for England as the knockout stages approach, especially following the earlier withdrawal of natural back-up Tino Livramento due to a calf injury. Manager Thomas Tuchel may consider Djed Spence, Nico O’Reilly, or Jarell Quansah as potential replacements at full-back, with James being the only squad member not to train. In more positive news for the squad, Declan Rice participated in training after a recent calf assessment, and Arsenal team-mate Bukayo Saka is pushing for a start despite an Achilles problem. England are currently top of Group L with four points, level with Ghana but with a superior goal difference, and must equal or better Ghana’s result to secure the top spot, with Tuchel pondering several changes after the disappointing draw with Ghana. In fullReece James sits out England training as he emerges as major doubt for Panama clashThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in

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