Overview
- Both Declan Rice and Reece James are set for late pre‑match fitness assessments before England’s final group game against Panama, with final selection dependent on medical clearance.
- Rice was treated for a dead leg after the 0-0 draw with Ghana and was seen with strapping, but reports say he has shrugged off the problem and is available for selection.
- James completed both group matches despite reporting discomfort and a tight hamstring, and England’s staff are considering resting him as a precaution.
- Tuchel has experimented with James in a midfield role in training and may use Kobbie Mainoo, Djed Spence or Marcus Rashford as short‑term alternatives if either starter is withdrawn.
- England must beat Panama to guarantee topping Group L, so cautious management of Rice’s ongoing hamstring issues and James’s injury history could limit minutes and shape England’s momentum into the knockout stage.