2026 World Cup: Thomas Tuchel defends full-back selection after Reece James injury

England manager Thomas Tuchel has maintained his forward selection policy after confirming that Reece James will not feature in Saturday’s World Cup clash with Panama.

According to BBC Sport this week, James complained of a knee problem and was evaluated by England’s medical staff after he was kept scoreless against Ghana on Tuesday.

Tuchel has since confirmed that the Chelsea right-back has not traveled from his Kansas City base to New Jersey for Saturday’s (22:00 BST) final Group L game against Panama. But James says he has a chance to play in England’s last 32 next week.

However, BBC Sport understands that James has serious doubts about starting the play-offs if England go through.

James’ injury – and the calf issue that forced Tino Livramento home from the United States – have called into question Tuchel’s decision to bring three recognized fullbacks to the World Cup.

DJ Spence, James and Livramento were the only true defensive linemen selected.

Nico O’Reilly, who played as a left-back for Manchester City last season, is also in the squad – but has been ranked as a midfielder at the Etihad Stadium. Dan Byrne has also played as a left back but is best known as a central defender.

Spence and centre-backs Jarel Kwansah and Ezri Konsa are Tuchel’s right-back options.

Still, Tuchel said: “Yes (I’m happy with my right-back selection), I’ve chosen the team, so I’m happy with everything about the character of the players and the strengths they give us.”

“We’d love to have every key player, we want them to be there, they’re not – we’ll find solutions, that’s what we’re doing, it’s competition, we’re going to move on.”

James and Livramento, in particular, have a proven history of injuries, and Tuchel’s decision to take them to the World Cup may be questionable.

But Tuchel is confident James will play again in the World Cup if England go through.

“It’s a bit of a hamstring problem, he hasn’t been able to train the last two days,” Tuchel confirmed.

He is now on an accelerated rehabilitation program and we will take it game by game, but we strongly believe he will be available (for the tournament).

There was better news regarding the availability of Bukayo Saka, Dylan Rice and Elliott Anderson, who Tuchel said are fit to face Panama.

Rice (calf) and Anderson (glute) missed training on Thursday – but returned on Friday.

Tuchel confirmed Saka is ready to start after coming off the bench in the opening two matches due to a long-term Achilles tendinitis complaint.