World Cup 2026: Declan Rice back in England training but Reece James out

Declan Rice returned to England training on Friday but Reece James missed the session as doubt remains about his availability for the Three Lions’ final group game against Panama.

Chelsea defender James has a hamstring issue which he picked up in England’s 0-0 draw with Ghana on Tuesday and was missing from the group training session before the squad fly to New York.

The 26-year-old was following an individual programme inside the training base in Kansas City but was not on the pitch with the rest of his team-mates.

Jarell Quansah, Djed Spence and Ezri Konsa are head coach Thomas Tuchel’s alternative options at right-back.

James is a key player for England and Tuchel will hope that the issue is not something that will keep him out of the tournament in the longer term.

Rice left the Boston Stadium after the Ghana draw with strapping on his left calf and missed training on Thursday – but it was felt the knock just needed rest.

And the Arsenal midfielder is expected to be available for the Panama game on Saturday (22:00 BST).

It remains to be seen if Tuchel is willing to start Rice, though, as he is at risk of suspension for the round of 32 after he was booked against Ghana.

Rice’s midfield partner Elliot Anderson was also absent from the session on Thursday but has recovered sufficiently to train with the rest of the squad.

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