Rice Returns To England Training As James Remains Doubtful For Panama Clash

Rice Returns TonEngland Training As James Remains Doubtful For Panama Clash

Declan Rice returned to full England training on Friday, providing a timely boost for Thomas Tuchel ahead of the Three Lions’ final Group L match against Panama, while Reece James remained absent with an ongoing hamstring concern.

James has been managing the injury since England’s goalless draw with Ghana on Tuesday and once again trained separately from the squad. The Chelsea defender stayed at the team’s training base in Kansas City to continue his rehabilitation, missing the group session before England travelled to New York for Saturday’s fixture.

His continued absence raises fresh doubts over his availability for the Group L decider, with Tuchel likely to consider Jarell Quansah, Djed Spence or Ezri Konsa as alternative options at right-back should James fail to recover in time.

The 26-year-old remains a key figure in England’s plans, and the coaching staff will be keen to avoid aggravating the injury with the knockout stages fast approaching. Rice, meanwhile, allayed fitness concerns after returning to training following a minor calf problem.

The Arsenal midfielder had been seen with strapping on his left calf after Tuesday’s draw with Ghana and subsequently missed Thursday’s session.

However, the issue was understood to be nothing more than a precautionary concern, and his participation in Friday’s training suggests he will be available for the clash with Panama on Saturday.

Despite his return, Tuchel could opt to manage Rice’s workload, with the midfielder just one yellow card away from a one-match suspension in the Round of 32 after being booked against Ghana.

Midfielder Elliot Anderson also resumed training after missing Thursday’s session. The Nottingham Forest player, who is reportedly close to completing a £116 million move to Manchester City, trained alongside Rice as England stepped up preparations for their final group fixture. England will secure top spot in Group L with victory over Panama, ensuring a more favourable route into the knockout stages.