England v Panama LIVE: Team news as Reece James injury sparks World Cup selection headache | OneFootball

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.

Options to replace Reece James: Move Djed Spence?

Tottenham defender Djed Spence was selected for the England squad due to his versatility across the backline and that has already been proven across England’s opening two fixtures.

Against Croatia, he came on midway through the second half as a replacement for Jude Bellingham but slotted in at right-back with James pushed up to defensive midfield. Spence performed solidly and combined beautifully with Bukayo Saka on the right wing as the Three Lions pushed for a fourth goal.

In the match against Ghana, Spence was handed a starting berth but at left-back replacing Nico O’Reilly. Though he held his own for the majority of the game, England looked more threatening once O’Reilly replaced him which is perhaps a sign that Spence is more effective in his natural position on the right.

Michael Jones27 June 2026 15:35

Reece James missed eight weeks with hamstring injury between March and May

Last week, Reece James said he was bored of talking about his history of injuries.

The Chelsea captain was absent for eight weeks between March and May with a hamstring strain before returning at the end of the season.

He told BBC 5 Live: "I have one job, which is to be the best I can when I'm on the pitch. To be honest, I understand the stigma at the start, but after a while it gets boring.

"I've been fit for a long time before my last injury, and I don't listen to too much noise. People always talk about injuries and availability, and to me it's so boring now.”

Thomas Tuchel on Reece James injury: 'We will find solutions'

Reece James’ injury leaves Thomas Tuchel with further problems in the position after Tino Livramento was ruled out of the World Cup.

Tuchel opted not to pick Real Madrid’s Trent Alexander-Arnold, either in his initial squad or when choosing Chelsea centre-back Trevoh Chalobah to replace Livramento.

Djed Spence, Ezri Konsa and Jarell Quansah are the likeliest candidates to stand in for James in the match at the MetLife Stadium.

Tuchel explained: "The thinking of calling Chalobah to free up Quansah on the right full-back position for us. I saw him playing very strongly there playing for Liverpool and he played enough in a back three - which is not so far from the position - in Leverkusen.

"And we have Djed Spence. No one could see that coming, Reece was in good shape. Konsa played in that right-back position as well for us on a high level. No problem. We would love to have Reece as a key player, but he's not available. We will find solutions. That's what we do."

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.

Good afternoon and welcome

England 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.