England's Reece James ruled out as Tuchel defends backline choices ahead of Panama clash
England face Panama on Sunday with Reece James ruled out through injury, while Panama’s World Cup campaign ended in acrimony after two players traded blows at training on Friday. Thomas Tuchel, England’s manager, defended his full-back choices on Saturday after confirming the Chelsea defender will miss the Group C finale through a hamstring problem sustained in the 1-0 win over Serbia on Tuesday [2026-06-26] . “We have to work with what we have,” Tuchel told reporters in Houston, adding that Kyle Walker and Kieran Trippier remain his preferred options.
Videos from Panama’s closed session in Houston showed two shirt numbers—believed to be players José Fajardo and Aníbal Godoy—engaging in a shoving match after an exchange of words, prompting coaching staff to intervene [2026-06-26] . Panama coach Thomas Christiansen struck a philosophical tone on Saturday, telling German media the altercation was “part of football” and that the squad had been under intense pressure [2026-06-26] . “We are human beings, not robots,” Christiansen said. Panama’s campaign ended with a 3-1 defeat to the Netherlands on Wednesday and a 1-0 loss to Portugal on Monday, leaving them bottom of Group C with zero points [2026-06-23] .
England, by contrast, secured six points from their first two games and need only a draw against Panama to top the group. James, who played the full 90 minutes against Serbia, has been sidelined since Thursday’s light session and will not risk further aggravation, Tuchel said. “He’s disappointed but understands the situation,” the manager added. England’s backline will likely feature Walker at right-back, with Trippier covering the left, while Luke Shaw and John Stones are expected to start in central defence.
The fixture also carries symbolic weight: England have not beaten Panama in three attempts, losing 6-1 in 2018 and drawing 1-1 in 2014. A victory would secure top spot and a probable Round of 16 tie against the Group D runners-up in Dallas. Panama, meanwhile, will finish their first World Cup since 2018 with a game they no longer have a mathematical chance of winning.
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