EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (AP) – Right-back Reece James will miss Saturday’s World Cup group game against Panama due to a hamstring injury, but midfielders Declan Rice and Elliott Anderson could feature and winger Bukayo Saka could make his first start of the tournament.
James was injured during Tuesday’s game 0-0 draw against GhanaManager Thomas Tuchel said the injury was minor. James did not travel to New Jersey from England’s training camp in Kansas City, Missouri.
“He is currently undergoing an accelerated rehabilitation program,” Tuchel said on Friday. “We have strong confidence that he will perform well for us in the tournament.”
england 4-2 victory over Croatia They secured their place in the knockout stages for the sixth time in seven World Cups before the draw with Ghana. Depending on the result of Croatia vs. Ghana, the Three Lions will finish top of Group L with either a win or a draw. England could face Congo or Senegal in the round of 32 in Atlanta on Wednesday, but could also advance as second or third-placed teams.
Tuchel said James’ status in the Round of 32 was unclear.
Jed Spence will shift from left to right on Saturday, with Tuchel potentially introducing Nico O’Reilly, Jarrell Quansah or Ezri Konsa on the right. Konsa started at center back in the first two games.
Rice and Anderson participated in Friday’s training session.
“They had a small problem after the game, but they had enough time to recover,” Tuchel said.
Panama was eliminated with a loss. ghana and Croatia. Los Canaleros failed to advance to the first round of the World Cup in both of their appearances.
England defender Marc Guehi said: “It doesn’t really matter whether Panama is still in the tournament or not.” “Their goal is always the same: just do the best they can and make their country proud.”
England defeated Panama 6-1 in the group stage of the 2018 World Cup Harry Kane scored a hat-trick.
Coach Tuchel said: “It was a difficult game against a team that is very difficult to break down. We conceded very few chances.” “They’re not the most famous footballing nation or the smartest footballing name, but they’re strong. They can play in an underdog role and they can play without any pressure.”
Saka could start after recovering from an Achilles tendon problem. Saka played in the 72nd minute against Croatia and the 65th minute against Ghana, making his first start since the Champions League final on May 30.
“We agreed with Bukayo, working very closely with the medical department in particular and with Arsenal, that this is a way to strengthen him,” Tuchel said. “He is completely free of pain or discomfort and is fully equipped and ready to go.”
Rice rolled his left calf after the game against Ghana. He received a yellow card against the Black Stars and will be suspended for the Round of 32 on Saturday.
“He has enough experience to deal with it, but we are aware of that,” Tuchel said.
Elliott Anderson’s possible move to Manchester City is not an issue
The medical examination required for Anderson to join Manchester City from Nottingham Forest will take place after Saturday’s match.
“Our focus was on his recovery and making sure he can take part in training,” Tuchel said. “The reality is that transfers are going on in world football while we are playing and big transfers take time, so we understand that things are going on behind the scenes and of course we will facilitate transfers after the game rather than before.”
It could be Panama coach Thomas Christiansen’s last game with the team.
Thomas Christiansen took over as Panama’s manager in 2020, but is unsure of his position after his contract expires on July 31st.
“I want to leave on a good note and make history. If possible, I want to make positive history instead of negative history,” Christiansen said. “We qualified Panama for the second time in the World Cup. It’s a source of pride for me, but at the same time it’s bittersweet. Even though we played well, we didn’t score a goal and we didn’t win, so I have mixed emotions.”
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