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  "path": "/sport/football/england-injury-scare-world-cup-panama",
  "publishedAt": "2026-06-26T06:32:01.000Z",
  "site": "https://www.gbnews.com",
  "tags": [
    "Former EFL player handed 11-match ban for 'very serious' racist abuse and has contract ripped up",
    "Man City 'agree British transfer record' with Nottingham Forest for Elliot Anderson",
    "Emma Raducanu misses Wimbledon training as fears grow of injury for British No 1",
    "ENTER HERE",
    "The GB News Editorial Charter"
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  "textContent": "\n\n\nThomas Tuchel has been dealt a fresh fitness concern ahead of England's final World Cup group-stage fixture after Reece James and Declan Rice both missed training on Thursday.\n\nThe Three Lions returned to their Kansas City base following Tuesday's frustrating goalless draw with Ghana, with preparations now turning towards Saturday's meeting with Panama at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nHowever, neither James nor Rice took part in the session held two days before the crucial Group L encounter, leaving Tuchel with decisions to make as England attempt to secure top spot and a place in the knockout stages.\n\nJames is to be the bigger concern of the two.\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nTRENDING\n\nStories\n\nVideos\n\nYour Say\n\nThe Chelsea defender sustained a minor hamstring issue during England's stalemate with Ghana and his condition will continue to be monitored over the coming days.\n\nEven if the 26-year-old is passed fit, Tuchel may decide against risking him against opponents ranked 42nd in the world, particularly given James has already featured in two matches within the space of a week.\n\nThe England manager has consistently managed James carefully since taking charge, mindful of the injury problems that have disrupted the full-back's career in recent seasons.\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nShould James be rested, Tuchel has several alternatives available.\n\nBayer Leverkusen defender Jarell Quansah is capable of filling in at right-back, while Djed Spence could also be handed an opportunity after impressing during his appearances for Tottenham last season.\n\nNico O'Reilly, who struck the crossbar after coming off the bench against Ghana, is another option at left-back if Tuchel decides to reshuffle his defensive line.\n\n### LATEST SPORTS NEWS:\n\n\n\n\n  * Former EFL player handed 11-match ban for 'very serious' racist abuse and has contract ripped up\n  * Man City 'agree British transfer record' with Nottingham Forest for Elliot Anderson\n  * Emma Raducanu misses Wimbledon training as fears grow of injury for British No 1\n\n\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nRice's absence from training is less alarming, however.\n\nThe Arsenal midfielder was seen wearing strapping on his left calf after the Ghana match and is believed to have suffered a dead leg during the contest.\n\nThe 27-year-old has endured a gruelling campaign, with the draw in Boston representing his 64th appearance of the season for club and country.\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nDespite playing through discomfort against Ghana, Rice is keen to play if Tuchel decides to use him.\n\nNevertheless, the England boss could opt to rotate his midfield regardless, with qualification for the knockout rounds still within reach.\n\nRice also picked up a yellow card against Ghana, meaning another booking against Panama would trigger a suspension for England's opening knockout fixture should they progress.\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nThat disciplinary situation may encourage Tuchel to preserve one of his most influential players ahead of the latter stages of the tournament, with Kobbie Mainoo potentially in line to feature.\n\nMainoo flourished under Michael Carrick last season at Manchester United, with the youngster previously on the fringes of the action during Ruben Amorim's time in charge.\n\nEngland remain top of Group L despite failing to overcome Ghana and know victory over Panama would guarantee first place.\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nTuchel's squad are due to train once more on Friday before travelling to New York ahead of Saturday's showdown.\n\nEngland last faced Panama at the 2018 World Cup, with Harry Kane scoring a hat-trick in an emphatic 6-1 win.\n\n_Win two tickets to a FIFA World Cup 2026 quarter-final. ExpressVPN are giving one lucky Friend or Member the chance to experience football's biggest tournament live, with flights and accommodation covered by GB News. Entries close 30 June. ENTER HERE._\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n**Our Standards: The GB News Editorial Charter**",
  "title": "England suffer double injury scare ahead of World Cup clash with Panama"
}