World Cup 2026: Declan Rice returns to training with the England team but Reece James continues to be absent
Declan Rice returns to training for England, while Reece James cannot participate in the upcoming match against Panama due to a thigh muscle injury.
Declan Rice returned to training with England on Friday, but Reece James is still unable to take part in training and is in doubt over his ability to play in the final group match against Panama. Chelsea defender James suffered a thigh muscle problem during Tuesday's 0-0 draw with Ghana, and he was absent from group training before the team left for New York. The 26-year-old carried out an individual training program at the training facility in Kansas City but did not participate in training sessions with his teammates. Jarell Quansah, Djed Spence and Ezri Konsa are alternatives that coach Thomas Tuchel can consider in the right-back position. James is an important player for England and Tuchel hopes that this problem is not a serious injury that will keep him out of action throughout the tournament. Rice left Boston Stadium after the match against Ghana with a bandage on his left calf and was absent from training on Thursday - but was told the injury only required rest. The Arsenal midfielder is expected to be available for the match against Panama on Saturday (22:00 BST). However, it is unclear whether Tuchel will be willing to let Rice play from the start, as he received a yellow card in the match against Ghana and is at risk of being suspended in the round of 32. Rice's midfield teammate Elliot Anderson was also absent from England training on Thursday, but was present on Friday. England can take the top spot in Group L and plan their way forward in the knockout rounds if they win against Panama.
Related Articles
Teams
Players