Declan Rice and Reece James will undergo fitness assessments ahead of England's final Group L World Cup match against Panama on Saturday in New Jersey.
James's Workload Under Scrutiny
Chelsea defender Reece James has played the full 90 minutes in both of England's first two World Cup matches. He started at right-back against Croatia but moved to midfield after Thomas Tuchel's second-half substitutions. Against Ghana on Tuesday, he featured at right-back throughout.
James has a history of injury and is one of a small number of players Chelsea medical staff take extra care with. Former Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca said earlier this season that James's body does not allow him to play three games in a week. FA staff will monitor his load ahead of the Panama game.
Rice's Calf Issue
Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice will also be assessed. He left Boston Stadium after the Ghana game appearing to limp and had strapping around his calf on his left leg. Rice said before the game that he has been dealing with “neural pain” since Christmas but that he felt physically “very good”. He was substituted midway through the second half of the 4-2 win over Croatia after feeling some pain. The 26-year-old, like James, played the entire match against Ghana.
Tuchel's Rotation Plans
Manager Thomas Tuchel had said he had not decided how much to rotate the team against Panama if England had beaten Ghana. However, after the draw, he stated he was “still not shy” about rotating but conceded that the need to win might make rotation “more moderated”.
