England have suffered a major setback in their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign after right-back Reece James sustained a hamstring injury that is expected to keep him out for at least the next two matches of the tournament.
The injury comes at a crucial time as England look to maintain their strong form in the group stage, with James having been one of the team's key defensive players thanks to his ability to contribute effectively in both attack and defence.
In addition to James, England will also be without Tino Livramento, who is still recovering from a calf injury. The absence of both right-backs has significantly reduced the manager's options in that position.
As a result, Djed Spence and Jarell Quansah are among the players expected to be considered for a place in the starting lineup for England's upcoming match against Panama.
England's coaching staff are now forced to make quick tactical adjustments to ensure the team remains competitive despite losing some of their key players through injury during this important stage of the tournament.
The match against Panama is expected to be a crucial one for England's hopes of progressing further, with attention now turning to the players tasked with filling the void left by Reece James.
While James' absence is undoubtedly a significant blow for England, it also presents an opportunity for Spence or Quansah to showcase their talent on football's biggest stage and help the team in its pursuit of the 2026 FIFA World Cup title.
