England supervisor Thomas Tuchel has defended his full-back choice coverage after confirming Reece James will miss Saturday’s World Cup match in opposition to Panama.
As revealed by BBC Sport this week, James was assessed by England medics following Tuesday’s goalless draw in opposition to Ghana after complaining of a hamstring challenge.
Tuchel has since confirmed that the Chelsea right-back has not travelled to New Jersey from their Kansas Metropolis base for his or her ultimate Group L sport in opposition to Panama on Saturday (22:00 BST). However he insists James has an opportunity of taking part in in England’s doable last-32 match subsequent week.
Nonetheless, BBC Sport understands that James is a major doubt for the beginning of the knockout phases, ought to England qualify.
James’ harm – and the calf challenge that brought about Tino Livramento to return dwelling from america – has thrown into query Tuchel’s determination to carry simply three recognised full-backs to the World Cup.
Djed Spence, James and Livramento had been the one real full-backs chosen.
Nico O’Reilly, who performed at left-back for Manchester Metropolis final season, can be within the squad – however he got here via the ranks at Etihad Stadium as a midfielder. Dan Burn has additionally performed at left-back however is recognised as a centre-back.
Spence and central defenders Jarell Quansah and Ezri Konsa are Tuchel’s different choices at right-back.
However, Tuchel mentioned: “Sure, I’m [happy with my options at right-back]. I chosen the workforce, so I am very proud of all the things with the attribute of the gamers and strengths that they offer us.
“We’d like to have each single key participant, we might like to have them out there, it isn’t out there – we discover options, it is what we do. It is a event, we transfer on.”
James and Livramento, particularly, have a chequered harm historical past and Tuchel’s determination to take each to the World Cup is prone to be known as into query.
Tuchel, although, is assured James will play once more within the World Cup ought to England progress.
“It is a minor hamstring challenge, he is not been capable of prepare the final two days,” confirmed Tuchel.
“He is now on an accelerated rehabilitation program and we take it sport by sport, however we strongly consider that he can be out there [during the tournament].”
There was higher information close to the supply of Bukayo Saka, Declan Rice and Elliot Anderson, who Tuchel mentioned would all be out there to face Panama.
Rice (calf) and Anderson (glute) missed coaching on Thursday – however returned on Friday.
Tuchel confirmed Saka is able to begin after coming off the bench within the opening two matches due to a long-term Achilles tendinitis criticism.
