'No-one could see it coming' - Tuchel defends full-back picks after James injury

Published27 June 2026

England manager Thomas Tuchel has defended his full-back selection policy after confirming Reece James will miss Saturday's World Cup match against Panama.

As revealed by BBC Sport this week, James was assessed by England medics following Tuesday's goalless draw against Ghana after complaining of a hamstring issue.

Tuchel has since confirmed that the Chelsea right-back has not travelled to New Jersey from their Kansas City base for their final Group L game against Panama on Saturday (22:00 BST). He insists James has a chance of playing in England's last-32 match next week.

However, BBC Sport understands that James is a significant doubt for the start of the knockout stages, with England now guaranteed a place even if they were to drop to third in their group.

James started only 20 league games last season because of injury problems, but Tuchel said of the 26-year-old's latest issue: "No-one could see that coming.

"Reece was in good shape and felt very good, so it's a bit unlucky but Ezri Konsa played in the position for us on a high level. We have still no problem."

James' injury - and the calf issue that caused Tino Livramento to return home from the United States - has thrown into question Tuchel's decision to bring just three recognised full-backs to the World Cup.

There was no place in the squad for Real Madrid right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold, for example.

Djed Spence, James and Livramento - who similarly had injury problems last season - were the only genuine full-backs selected.

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Nico O'Reilly, who played at left-back for Manchester City last season, is also in the squad – but he came through the ranks at Etihad Stadium as a midfielder. Dan Burn has also played at left-back but is recognised as a centre-back.

Spence and central defenders Jarell Quansah and Konsa are Tuchel's alternative options at right-back.

Nevertheless, Tuchel said: "Yes, I am [happy with my options at right-back]. I selected the team, so I'm very happy with everything with the characteristic of the players and strengths that they give us.

"We would love to have every single key player, we would love to have them available, it's not available – we find solutions, it's what we do. It's a tournament, we move on."

Tuchel, though, is confident James will play again in the World Cup.

"It's a minor hamstring issue, he's not been able to train the last two days," the German confirmed.

"He's now on an accelerated rehabilitation programme and we take it game by game, but we strongly believe that he will be available [during the tournament]."

There was better news with regards to the availability of Bukayo Saka, Declan Rice and Elliot Anderson, who Tuchel said would all be available 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 because of a long-term Achilles tendinitis complaint.

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