England will not have the service of Reece James in the last group stage match of the World Cup against Panama and it is likely that the round of 32 match will take place next week. Previously, James started in England's matches against Croatia and Ghana. However, after the goalless draw with Ghana, the Chelsea defender felt a problem in the hamstring area and could not continue training with the whole team.
The 26-year-old player did not appear in training at the training center in Kansas City on Friday. After checking the injury status, the England coaching staff confirmed that James needs time to recover instead of continuing to play immediately.
This injury gives Thomas Tuchel another difficult problem on the right flank. Before the World Cup, Reece James was considered the number one choice of the England team in the right-back position, as he possesses comprehensive attacking and defensive ability and is suitable for Tuchel's formation.
James's absence became even more difficult when Tino Livramento, a natural backup option in the right-back position, also could not participate in the tournament due to injury before the opening day.
To replace him, Tuchel has called up Trevoh Chalobah. The Chelsea defender does not often play in the right-back position but is adaptable thanks to his fitness, speed and experience playing in a three-man defense.
In addition to Chalobah, Tuchel also has some other options. Ezri Konsa, who started in the last two matches in the center-back position, may be pulled to the right wing. Jarell Quansah is also a similar option.
Another option is Djed Spence, a player who used to play right-back but was used on the left wing in the match against Ghana. Spence's good attacking and defending ability can help England maintain attacking power on the sidelines.
Despite many replacements, Reece James's absence is still a significant loss. England is aiming to go deep at the World Cup and Tuchel will have to find a suitable solution to avoid affecting the balance in the defense system.
