Reece James has provided a positive injury update after England's dramatic 2-1 victory over DR Congo, raising hopes that the Chelsea right-back could return for the World Cup last 16 clash against Mexico. James, who suffered a hamstring strain in the second group stage game against Ghana, had been expected to miss the knockout stages, but his latest comments suggest a quicker recovery.
James offers encouraging injury update
Speaking to The Athletic's David Ornstein as he walked through the mixed zone after the match, James said: 'It's ok; I'm feeling good.' This upbeat assessment comes as a welcome boost for manager Thomas Tuchel, who has been forced to use five different right-backs in England's four World Cup matches so far.
Djed Spence has struggled to convince in that role and has been on the receiving end of Tuchel's ire, while Jarell Quansah started against Panama but failed to stake a convincing claim. Declan Rice and John Stones have also been deployed in the position during the closing stages of matches.
Harry Kane's brace saves England
England's victory over DR Congo was far from straightforward, with the Three Lions trailing to Brian Kibambe Cipenga's shock early goal until the 75th minute. Harry Kane once again proved to be the hero, scoring a superb brace to secure England's place in the last 16 and enhance his hopes of a second World Cup Golden Boot.
Teammate Anthony Gordon was full of praise for England's prolific captain. 'You know what? As soon as he hit (the second goal), I knew it was going in,' Gordon said. 'I was already celebrating. It's more the consistency that he surprised me with. Anyone can score a good goal, anyone at this level can put the ball in the top corner. This is the consistency that he does it. Every day in training. Every game. He is phenomenal. He plays at such a high, high level.'
Injury concerns hamper Tuchel's plans
England's inability to pick a settled starting XI due to fitness concerns has undoubtedly hampered Tuchel's preparations. Bukayo Saka has been nursed throughout the tournament and started just one of England's four matches, while Declan Rice was rested against Panama and was seen clutching an ice pack to his hamstring after being substituted in the closing stages against DR Congo.
James's potential early return would be a significant boost for Tuchel, who has struggled to find a consistent option at right-back. With the last 16 tie against Mexico looming, the England manager will be hoping that James can prove his fitness in time to feature.
Gordon hails Kane's influence
Gordon continued his praise for Kane, highlighting the striker's relentless work ethic and consistency. 'It's amazing to be around him every day, because when you're around someone at the elite level – he's at the very, very top of football, he's having a season that's only ever been beaten by Lionel Messi, the greatest footballer of all time. So that speaks to the level he's playing at.'
'When you're around someone like that, you want to pick up as many habits and watch everything he does to see why he's at that level. It's no accident, like I said, there's consistency every day, how hard he works, every finishing drill. He does it with passion, he does it with seriousness. He never ever messes about. So it's amazing to be around him. He's definitely an inspiration to all of us.'
England's World Cup journey continues
England now face Mexico in the last 16, with Tuchel hoping that James's return can help provide the defensive stability that has been lacking. The Three Lions will be relying on Kane's continued form to lead them deeper into the tournament, with the captain's brace against DR Congo demonstrating his ability to deliver under pressure.
