Unwelcome blow for England ahead of final group stage match. Experienced defender injured

Pulse Sports Team 08:49 - 27 June 2026

England's national football team will be without defender Reece James for their final L-group match against Panama at the World Cup. The 26-year-old right-back is struggling with a hamstring injury.

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James experienced issues in the previous match against Ghana, where he played the full ninety minutes. Team coach Thomas Tuchel described the injury as “minor.” “He is currently in an accelerated rehabilitation program. We firmly believe he will be available to us for the remainder of the tournament,” the German manager was quoted as saying by the AP agency.

Following their 4-2 victory over Croatia and a 0-0 draw with Ghana, England has secured progression to the round of sixteen, even if they finish third in the group. Panama will occupy the last, fourth place regardless of the outcome. The match at MetLife Stadium will be played on Saturday at 11:00 PM CET.