England's Reece James out for two World Cup games with hamstring injury
England and Chelsea right-back Reece James will miss at least two 2026 World Cup matches—the final group game against Panama and the subsequent last-32 tie—after suffering a hamstring strain. The injury recurred following a 0-0 draw with Ghana in Boston. Manager Thomas Tuchel has limited full-back options due to Tino Livramento’s prior injury and has called up center-backs as emergency cover. James’s ongoing fitness issues raise concerns for both club and country.
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2026 World Cup: England to Rest Key Players Reece James and Declan Rice Against France
On the eve of the 2026 World Cup third-place match between France and England in Miami, England manager Thomas Tuchel held a press conference. While he did not reveal his full starting lineup, it is reported that two key players, Reece James and Declan Rice, are expected to be rested. James continues to struggle with hamstring issues, while Rice has been hampered by various pains throughout the tournament. As a result, Trevoh Chalobah and Kobbie Mainoo, who have not played any minutes so far, could be given playing time in the match against France.
Foot Mercato : Info Transferts Football - Actu Foot TransfertKonsa and Madueke Expected to Start Against Norway; James Also Recovered
England will face Norway in the World Cup quarter-finals. Noni Madueke is set to return to the starting lineup after being benched in the Round of 16 win over Mexico. Ezri Konsa, who has started all five previous matches as a center-back, will move to right-back as manager Thomas Tuchel seeks a defensive solution on that flank. Jarell Quansah, who started against Mexico, is suspended for two matches after a red card. Reece James, who suffered a hamstring injury after starting the first two group matches, has recovered and felt ready to start, but the decision was made to start Konsa at right-back. If England win, they will face the winner of Argentina vs. Switzerland in the semi-finals in Atlanta.
虎扑 - 足球England face injury concerns ahead of World Cup quarter-final against Norway
England are preparing for a crucial World Cup quarter-final against Norway in Miami, with manager Thomas Tuchel dealing with multiple fitness issues. Bukayo Saka has declared himself fit despite an ongoing Achilles problem, while Reece James is hoping to return from a hamstring injury that has kept him out of the last three games. However, England will be without defender Jarell Quansah due to a two-match FIFA suspension for a red card against Mexico. Central defender Marc Guehi is a doubt after picking up a hamstring injury, and midfielder Declan Rice missed training due to a sickness bug. Tuchel is expected to deploy Djed Spence at right-back to keep his preferred central defensive partnership intact. Saka has called for calm after the emotional victory over Mexico, emphasizing the need to focus on the different challenge posed by Norway.
Mirror - FootballReece James Returns to England Training, Likely to Play in World Cup Quarter-Final Against Norway
England defender Reece James has returned to training and is expected to be available for the World Cup quarter-final against Norway on Saturday, according to a report from the England World Cup coverage team. The 26-year-old Chelsea right-back missed the past three matches due to a hamstring issue and was absent from Wednesday's full team training in Kansas City. However, he participated in Thursday's session and is likely to be included in the squad traveling to Miami for the match, pending any adverse reactions during the final training session. His recovery is a boost for head coach Thomas Tuchel, especially after England lost right-back Jarrell Quansah to a red card suspension and Tino Livramento to a calf injury. Jed Spence is also expected to return from injury. Meanwhile, Declan Rice is dealing with hamstring and back pain but is expected to play, and defender Marc Guehi is suffering from muscle fatigue.
虎扑 - 足球Reece James Doubtful for World Cup Quarter-Final; Rice and Guehi Have Minor Injuries
England right-back Reece James's availability for the World Cup quarter-final against Norway on Saturday remains in doubt after he missed full team training again on Wednesday. James has been sidelined since suffering a hamstring injury in England's second group stage match against Ghana. Manager Thomas Tuchel faces a selection crisis at right-back as Jarrell Quansah, who started against Mexico, was sent off and is suspended for the quarter-final. The FA is considering an appeal. Midfielder Declan Rice and defender Marc Guehi also trained individually on Wednesday due to nerve pain in Rice's hamstring and Guehi's muscle fatigue, but their availability for the quarter-final is less concerning. Meanwhile, Brentford midfielder Dean Henderson, who suffered a broken arm ending his tournament, returned to the England camp after surgery in Mexico City to provide leadership and experience.
虎扑 - 足球England Right-Back Crisis: James Out of Form, Spence Injured, Quansah Suspended Ahead of Norway Quarter-Final
Sky Sports reporter Rob Dorsett reports that England's first-choice right-back, James, has not trained for two weeks due to a hamstring strain and can only play limited minutes in Saturday's World Cup quarter-final against Norway, risking further injury. Jed Spence also has a minor injury and is doubtful. Jarrell Quansah is suspended after a red card against Mexico, with an appeal unlikely to succeed. Manager Tuchel may deploy Ezri Konsa at right-back, forcing defensive reshuffles with John Stones returning to center-back. Dan Burn is an option to mark Erling Haaland. England's defense, despite a resilient performance against Mexico (0.01 non-penalty xG while a man down), faces a severe test against Norway's attack led by Haaland, who has scored 7 goals in 4 matches.
虎扑 - 足球Tuchel Gives England Players Two Days Off to Forget Football Ahead of Norway Quarter-Final
England manager Thomas Tuchel has given his players two days off to completely disconnect from football and recover from physical and mental exhaustion following their World Cup quarter-final win over Mexico in Mexico City. The team is now preparing to face Norway in Miami, but faces a deepening crisis at right-back. Reece James and Jed Spence are fitness doubts, Quansah is suspended due to a red card against Mexico, and Ezri Konsa may be deployed at right-back with John Stones returning to center-back. Tuchel has been criticized for his squad selection, having chosen only two natural right-backs (Livramento and Reece James), both with poor injury records. The defensive reshuffle comes ahead of a daunting matchup against Norway and star striker Erling Haaland.
虎扑 - 足球England Medical Team Races to Treat Reece James for World Cup Quarter-Final Against Norway
According to Sky Sports reporter Rob Dorsett, England's medical staff are intensively treating Chelsea full-back Reece James for a hamstring strain suffered two weeks ago against Ghana. James has not trained since but participated in a pre-match warm-up at the Azteca Stadium, raising hopes of recovery. England faces a severe right-back shortage for Saturday's quarter-final against Norway: Djed Spence is not fully fit, Jarell Quansah is suspended after a red card (with a possible FA appeal), and Ezri Konsa may fill in. The team has used six different right-backs in five World Cup matches. Head coach Thomas Tuchel is desperate for James to be available.
虎扑 - 足球England Fast-Tracking Reece James Recovery Ahead of World Cup Quarter-Final vs Norway
England's medical staff are working urgently to get Chelsea right-back Reece James fit for Saturday's World Cup quarter-final against Norway, as the team faces a defensive crisis on the right flank. James strained his hamstring in the second group game against Ghana two weeks ago and has not trained with the squad since, but participated in the warm-up before England's Round of 16 win over Mexico, raising hopes of a return. Manager Thomas Tuchel has limited options: Djed Spence is not fully fit, Jarell Quansah is suspended following a red card, and Ezri Konsa filled in at right-back in the Mexico match. Separately, midfielder Jordan Henderson has been ruled out for the remainder of the tournament after breaking his arm in post-game celebrations following the Mexico victory. Henderson remains hospitalized and may require surgery.
SkySports | NewsReece James Expected to Return for England Against Norway in World Cup Quarter-Final
According to the UK's Daily Telegraph, England head coach Thomas Tuchel has received a boost ahead of the World Cup quarter-final against Norway, with right-back Reece James expected to return from a hamstring injury. James was available for the previous match against Mexico but was not risked. His return would alleviate a right-back shortage exacerbated by Jarrell Quansah's red card suspension. However, Tuchel faces a disciplinary concern as four players—Jude Bellingham, Declan Rice, Marc Guehi, and Nico O'Reilly—are each one yellow card away from a semi-final suspension. Jordan Henderson is also on a yellow card but is ruled out for the tournament due to injury. England has four days of training before facing Norway in Miami, giving James time to prove his fitness.
虎扑 - 足球Reece James Expected to Return for England's World Cup Quarter-Final Against Norway
England manager Thomas Tuchel expects Reece James to be available for the World Cup quarter-final against Norway on Saturday. James has been sidelined with a hamstring injury since the second group match against Ghana, missing games against Panama, DR Congo, and Mexico. His potential return comes amid a right-back crisis after Jarell Quansah received a red card in the 3-2 win over Mexico, resulting in a suspension. Ezri Konsa, who started all matches at centre-back, finished the Mexico game as a right wing-back. Over five matches, six different players have appeared as right-sided defenders. James, the Chelsea captain and England's first-choice right-back, is expected to return to full training this week, providing a significant boost to Tuchel's squad.
BBC SportEngland's Reece James Doubtful for Round of 16 Match Against Mexico Due to Hamstring Injury
England defender Reece James is doubtful for the Three Lions' round of 16 match against Mexico in Mexico City on Sunday due to a lingering hamstring injury sustained during the scoreless draw with Ghana on June 23. Manager Thomas Tuchel stated on Saturday that James would require medical clearance to potentially be a substitute, as he has not trained fully since the injury. James missed England's group-stage win over Panama and the round of 32 victory over the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Meanwhile, defender Jarell Quansah, who played right-back against Panama before exiting with an ankle injury, trained fully and is available for Sunday's match. Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice is also dealing with a hamstring issue but is expected to start against Mexico.
Yardbarker: SoccerEngland Boss Thomas Tuchel Issues Double Injury Update Before Mexico World Cup Clash
England manager Thomas Tuchel provided an injury update after the team trained in Mexico City on Saturday, ahead of their World Cup Round of 16 match against co-hosts Mexico. Tuchel confirmed defender Jarell Quansah is fully fit and available after recovering from an ankle problem, but right-back Reece James is doubtful with a hamstring strain and may only make the bench pending a final medical assessment. James has missed England's last two matches. Tuchel described the upcoming fixture as an 'iconic match on a big stage,' praising the welcoming atmosphere in Mexico. Midfielder Jordan Henderson stated that this game surpasses any he has played before, including Champions League finals, given the unique World Cup context in Mexico.
Mirror - FootballReece James Doubtful for World Cup Last-16 Match Against Mexico, Jarell Quansah Fit Again
England right-back Reece James missed the team's final training session ahead of their World Cup last-16 tie against Mexico due to a hamstring injury sustained in the goalless draw with Ghana. James has missed England's last two matches and is doubtful for Monday's crucial fixture. However, defender Jarell Quansah has returned to full training after his own hamstring injury from the Panama match, providing manager Thomas Tuchel with a versatile option at centre-back or full-back. Djed Spence started at right-back against DR Congo, with midfielder Declan Rice finishing the match in that position. England faces Mexico in Mexico City on Monday.
BBC SportReece James to miss England training, major doubt for Mexico World Cup clash
England right-back Reece James is expected to miss the final training session before the World Cup Round of 16 match against co-hosts Mexico at the Azteca Stadium, casting serious doubt on his availability. James has been sidelined since the 0-0 draw with Ghana in Boston due to a hamstring strain. Despite initial optimism from manager Thomas Tuchel, reports indicate James is not fit enough to join teammates with the match just over 24 hours away. Additionally, defender Jarrel Quansah, who started in place of James but later hobbled off against Panama, is hoped to return to training after rolling his ankle. Both players missed the 2-1 Round of 32 win over DR Congo in Atlanta.
Mirror - FootballReece James to Miss England Training Ahead of Mexico Round of 16 Match
England right-back Reece James is expected to miss the team's main training session ahead of a crucial Round of 16 match against Mexico in Mexico City, according to Daily Mail reporter Mike Keegan. The 26-year-old Chelsea captain, who suffered a hamstring injury in a 0-0 draw against Ghana on June 23, has already missed two subsequent matches. He will train individually instead of with the squad at Club Universidad Nacional's base. While no final decision has been made, James is unlikely to start, and his availability as a substitute remains uncertain. England's right-back position has been plagued by injuries throughout the tournament: James's replacement Jarell Quansah sprained his ankle against Panama and has been unavailable, and Newcastle's Tino Livramento was forced to return home before the tournament due to a calf injury.
虎扑 - 足球Reece James Offers Positive Injury Update Ahead of England's World Cup Round of 16 Match Against Mexico
England national team right back Reece James has provided a positive injury update ahead of the Round of 16 match against hosts Mexico in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. James has been sidelined since the group stage due to a hamstring injury suffered against Ghana, causing him to miss the Round of 32 victory over DR Congo. According to David Ornstein of The Athletic, James assured reporters he is 'OK' and 'feeling good'. His return is considered crucial for England, especially after manager Thomas Tuchel omitted Real Madrid star Trent Alexander-Arnold from the squad. James' former Chelsea manager Tuchel is relying on the defender to face Mexico's explosive attack led by Julian Quinones.
Yardbarker: SoccerEngland boss Tuchel issues triple World Cup injury update before DR Congo clash
England manager Thomas Tuchel provided injury updates ahead of the World Cup round of 32 match against DR Congo at Atlanta Stadium. Defenders Jarrel Quansah (ankle) and Reece James (hamstring) are close to returning but missed Tuesday's training, with Quansah slightly ahead. Bukayo Saka is ready after starting his first tournament match against Panama. Djed Spence and Ezri Konsa are options at right-back. Tuchel also confirmed a psychologist is with the squad but not working on penalties, though a penalty order will be drafted. He noted the penalty shootout eliminations of Germany and the Netherlands as a warning for England. The winner will face Mexico or Ecuador in the round of 16.
Mirror - FootballTuchel Draws Up Emergency England Plan as Injured Duo Given Return Timelines
England manager Thomas Tuchel is facing a right-back crisis ahead of the World Cup knockout match against DR Congo. Both Reece James (hamstring) and Jarell Quansah (ankle) have been ruled out for the clash in Atlanta after missing the final training session in Kansas City. While they will be unavailable for the round-of-32 tie, the FA confirmed both are on individual recovery programs and could return for a potential last-16 match. Djed Spence is the likely starter at right-back, with John Stones potentially returning to partner Marc Guehi. Tuchel expressed concern over the right-back situation but emphasized the team will find solutions. Midfielder Declan Rice is set to return, and Bukayo Saka is pushing for a start. England topped their group with seven points but have struggled for inspiration in recent matches. DR Congo is expected to employ a deep defensive block, testing England's attacking creativity.
Mirror - FootballEngland faces World Cup injury crisis ahead of DR Congo clash
England manager Thomas Tuchel is facing a significant injury crisis ahead of the World Cup knockout match against DR Congo. Defender Jarrel Quansah became the latest casualty, limping out of the win over Panama with an ankle injury, and is unlikely to be fit for Wednesday's match. Reece James is also sidelined with a hamstring issue, though he may return for the potential last 16 tie against Mexico. Earlier, Tino Livramento withdrew from the tournament due to injury before it began. The right back position has become a major concern, with Tuchel admitting it will be a 'tight race' for both James and Quansah to recover. Options include moving Ezri Konsa to right back, using Trevoh Chalobah (who is not a specialist), or recalling John Stones to central defense.
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