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  "path": "/sport/football/england-reece-james-injury-boost-panama-world-cup",
  "publishedAt": "2026-06-28T13:42:31.000Z",
  "site": "https://www.gbnews.com",
  "tags": [
    "Rory McIlroy set to avoid punishment despite breaking strict PGA Tour rule",
    "Roy Keane tears into Thomas Tuchel after England World Cup win over Panama - 'Hasn't got a clue'",
    "Alan Shearer calls out two England stars after Panama win as Thomas Tuchel left furious",
    "The GB News Editorial Charter"
  ],
  "textContent": "\n\n\nReece James is confident he will play again for England at the World Cup despite Thomas Tuchel's growing injury concerns ahead of the knockout stages.\n\nThe Chelsea defender missed England's 2-0 victory over Panama on Saturday night after suffering a hamstring injury and is expected to sit out Wednesday's Round of 32 clash with DR Congo.\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nHowever, according to the Telegraph, James is optimistic that the setback will not end his tournament and believes he can return in time to play a significant role if England progress.\n\nHis absence has left Tuchel facing an increasingly difficult selection dilemma at right-back.\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nTRENDING\n\nStories\n\nVideos\n\nYour Say\n\nEngland's defensive problems worsened against Panama when Jarell Quansah, who had stepped in for James, was forced off after suffering a twisted ankle in the second half.\n\nThe Bayer Leverkusen defender was unable to continue following a challenge and now faces a race against time to recover before the knockout tie.\n\nTuchel admitted afterwards that England's options in the position are becoming increasingly limited.\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n\"Classic ankle twist and he is in pain,\" the England boss said.\n\n\"He said he had it before and it is a matter of days. He has his leg up high and in ice.\"\n\nAsked whether he was now worried about the situation at right-back, Tuchel acknowledged the growing concern.\n\n### LATEST SPORTS NEWS:\n\n\n\n\n  * Rory McIlroy set to avoid punishment despite breaking strict PGA Tour rule\n  * Roy Keane tears into Thomas Tuchel after England World Cup win over Panama - 'Hasn't got a clue'\n  * Alan Shearer calls out two England stars after Panama win as Thomas Tuchel left furious\n\n\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n\"Naturally,\" he said. \"Of course, we have another injury in the position.\n\n\"It will be a tight race for Reece James and a tight race for Jarell Quansah, but it is our job to find solutions and we will do.\"\n\nEngland's problems at full-back began before the tournament had even started when Tino Livramento was forced to withdraw through injury.\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nWith James and Quansah also sidelined, Tuchel is left with just two recognised fit full-backs in his squad: Nico O'Reilly and Djed Spence.\n\nBoth are now in contention to start against DR Congo, although Tuchel could instead move Ezri Konsa across to right-back and restore John Stones to central defence.\n\nThe injury issues have also reignited debate over Tuchel's squad selection.\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nThe England manager came under scrutiny after calling up Trevoh Chalobah to replace Livramento rather than handing a recall to Trent Alexander-Arnold.\n\nChalobah is primarily a central defender, although he has filled in at right-back during his career.\n\nDespite the setbacks, England head into the knockout rounds with confidence after topping Group L thanks to victories over Croatia and Panama, along with a draw against Ghana.\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nDR Congo can't be underestimated, however.\n\nThe minnows qualified for the round of 32 after thumping Uzbekistan 3-1 in the early hours of Sunday morning.\n\nYoane Wissa netted twice, with the Newcastle star producing the goods in North America despite a difficult season at club level.\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n**Our Standards: The GB News Editorial Charter**",
  "title": "England handed huge Reece James injury boost after defender missed Panama victory"
}