James injury fears mount as Rice returns to England training

Defender Reece James could miss the start of the World Cup knockout stage if England progress, as he recovers from a hamstring injury. BBC Sport revealed earlier this week that the Chelsea full-back required assessment after complaining of an issue following the 0-0 draw with Ghana.

James has missed both training sessions since the match against the Black Stars and will sit out Saturday's final group game with Panama (22:00 BST). However, it is understood there are also fears the 26-year-old could miss the Three Lions' last-32 match should they qualify.

James was not on the pitch with the rest of his teammates for Friday's training session at their base in Kansas City and instead followed an individual programme inside. His injury calls into question manager Thomas Tuchel's decision to select just three recognised full-backs.

Full-back selection under scrutiny

Tino Livramento, who has left the tournament because of injury, Djed Spence and James were the only genuine full-backs selected. 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 the Etihad Stadium as a midfielder. Spence and central defenders Jarell Quansah and Ezri Konsa are Tuchel's alternative options at right-back.

Rice returns to training

While James missed Friday's group training before the squad's departure to New York, midfielder Declan Rice did return. Rice left the Boston Stadium after the Ghana game with strapping on his left calf and missed training on Thursday, but it was felt the knock just needed rest. The Arsenal midfielder is expected to be available for the Panama game.

It remains to be seen if Tuchel is willing to start Rice, though, as he is at risk of suspension for the last-32 match after he was booked against Ghana. Rice's midfield partner Elliot Anderson — poised for a £116m move from Nottingham Forest to Manchester City — was another who was absent from England's session on Thursday, but he was present on Friday.

England can secure top spot in Group L and then plot their route through the knockout stages with a win over Panama.

Panama altercation 'a good sign'

At Panama's training on Friday, two players had to be separated after a physical altercation where they were seen shoving each other. Cecilio Waterman and Jose Luis Rodriguez were forced apart by teammates at the session at Montclair State University.

But Panama coach Thomas Christiansen said he wished he had seen more of that kind of behaviour among his squad. "What happened today in training, this is a normal situation," said Christiansen. "I would've liked to see these situations more often, that means the team is alive. They are willing to do a good effort, to be in the first XI for the game," he explained. "If this happens another time, it's a good sign that they are alive," he added.