World Cup 2026: Declan Rice returns to England training but Rhys James is out.

Dylan Rice returned to England training on Friday, but Reece James missed the session as he remains a doubt for their final group game against Panama.

Chelsea defender James is suffering from a muscle problem. England drew 0-0 with Ghana. On Tuesday, he was absent from the team’s training before the team flew to New York.

The 26-year-old was following an individual program at the training facility in Kansas City but was not on the field with the rest of his teammates.

Jarrell Quansah, DJ Spence and Ezri Konsa are head coach Thomas Tuchel’s options at right back.

James is a key player for England and Tuchel will hope the issue is not something that rules him out in the long term.

Rice left Boston Stadium in the draw with a strain on his left calf and missed practice on Thursday – but the knock is understood to require rest.

And the Arsenal midfielder is expected to be available for Saturday’s game against Panama (22:00 BST).

It remains to be seen if Tuchel is willing to start for Rice as he is in danger of being suspended in the round of 32 after being caught against Ghana.

Rice’s fellow midfielder Elliott Anderson was also absent from Thursday’s session but recovered enough to practice with the rest of the team.

England top Group L and can beat Panama to qualify for the play-offs.