Reece James has been ruled out of England's next two World Cup matches after sustaining a hamstring injury. The Chelsea right-back reported tightness following the 0-0 draw against Ghana in Boston on Tuesday, and did not train with the squad in Kansas City on Friday.
Manager Thomas Tuchel confirmed that James did not travel to New York, where England face Panama in their final group stage match on Saturday. The defender will also miss the last-32 tie. Tuchel described it as a 'minor hamstring issue' and said James is undergoing an accelerated rehabilitation programme.
'We strongly believe that he will be available for us in the tournament,' Tuchel said. 'No one could see that coming. Reece was in good shape and felt very good. It's a bit unlucky, but we will find solutions.'
James has a history of hamstring problems, having missed nearly two months after injuring the same muscle in March. With backup right-back Tino Livramento also out injured, Tuchel has called up Chelsea centre-half Trevoh Chalobah and may use Jarell Quansah or Ezri Konsa in James's position.
