Thomas Tuchel reveals Declan Rice injury latest in two-man England update | OneFootball

Thomas Tuchel has also delivered an update on Elliot Anderson, who is dealing with some muscle tightness

Thomas Tuchel has revealed that Declan Rice and Elliot Anderson are available for England’s match against Panama if called upon.

The central midfield pair have been integral to England’s first two games of their World Cup campaign but had been considered something of a doubt for England’s final Group L match.

Rice left Boston Stadium on Tuesday after the Ghana game with strapping round his left camp and walking with a slight limp.

He did not train fully on Thursday. But he and Anderson were both in training at England’s Kansas City base camp on Friday, before the squad flew to New York ahead of Saturday’s meeting with Panama.

“Anderson and Rice were training today,” Tuchel said. “They had minor issues after the match but they had enough time to recover.

Tuchel went on to confirm in an answer to a later question: “Elliot and Declan are both available.”

Available for selection: Elliot Anderson and Declan Rice

PA

Having Rice and Anderson available for selection against Panama is a boost to England, who have suffered a blow with regards the fitness of James.

The Chelsea captain is the only nominal right-back in the squad after Tino Livramento dropped out on the eve of the tournament with a calf injury.

Yet James, who has a history of injuries, is now out of the Panama match with a hamstring issue and is a doubt for England’s round of 32 match as well.