World Cup 2026: Thomas Tuchel defends his choices at full-back after Reece James' injury

England coach Thomas Tuchel has confirmed that he is satisfied with his choices at full-back after confirming Reece James' absence from the World Cup match against Panama on Saturday. The examinations conducted by doctors on James after the goalless draw with Ghana showed that the player was suffering from a problem in the posterior muscle.

James, the Chelsea player, has not traveled from the team's base in Kansas City to New Jersey to face Panama, but Tuchel has indicated he has a chance to play in England's potential round of 32 clash next week. However, reports suggest that James could be in serious doubt for the start of the knockout stages, should England qualify.

James' injury, combined with the leg problem that has seen Tino Livramento sent home, has raised questions over Tuchel's decision to call up only three of his recognized full-backs for the tournament. Djed Spence, James and Livramento are the only full-backs selected, while there is Nico O'Reilly, who played as a left-back for Manchester City last season, but started his career as a midfielder. Dan Byrne also plays as a left-back but is known as a central defender.

Despite this, Tuchel said: "Yes, I'm [satisfied with my options at right-back]. I've chosen the team, so I'm very happy with everything about the characteristics of the players and the strength they give us. We would love to have every key player available, but that's not possible – we find solutions, that's what we do. It's a championship, and we'll keep moving forward."

James and Livramento's patchy injury history may call Tuchel's decision to bring them into the World Cup into question, but he is confident James can play again in the tournament if England progress. Tuchel confirmed, "It's a minor problem with his hamstring, and he has been unable to train for the past two days. He is now in an accelerated rehabilitation program and we will deal with each match individually, but we strongly believe that he will be available [during the tournament]."

There was even better news regarding the possible participation of Bukayo Saka, Declan Rice and Elliot Anderson, all of whom Tuchel confirmed would be available to face Panama. Rice (leg injury) and Anderson (glute injury) missed practice on Thursday, but returned on Friday. Tuchel also confirmed that Saka is ready to start after coming on as a substitute in the first two matches due to a persistent complaint of Achilles tendinitis.

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