Tuchel defends full-back selection after James injury

England manager Thomas Tuchel has defended his full-back selection policy after confirming that Reece James will miss Saturday's World Cup match against Panama. As reported by BBC Sport this week, James was assessed by England medics after Tuesday's goalless draw against Ghana following complaints of a hamstring problem.

Tuchel confirmed that the Chelsea right-back did not travel from the team's base in Kansas City to New Jersey for their final Group L game against Panama on Saturday. However, he insists James has a chance of playing in England's potential last-32 match next week. BBC Sport understands James is a significant doubt for the start of the knockout stages, should England qualify.

James' injury, combined with the calf issue that forced Tino Livramento to return home from the United States, has raised questions about Tuchel's decision to bring only three recognised full-backs to the World Cup. Djed Spence, James, and Livramento were the only genuine full-backs selected. Nico O'Reilly, who played left-back for Manchester City last season but came through as a midfielder, is also in the squad. Dan Burn has also played left-back but is primarily a centre-back. Spence and centre-backs Jarell Quansah and Ezri Konsa are Tuchel's alternative options at right-back.

Nevertheless, Tuchel stated: "Yes, I am [happy with my options at right-back]. I selected the team, so I'm very happy with everything with the characteristic of the players and strengths that they give us. We would love to have every single key player, we would love to have them available, it's not available – we find solutions, it's what we do. It's a tournament, we move on."

James and Livramento, in particular, have a history of injuries, and Tuchel's decision to take both to the World Cup is likely to be questioned. However, Tuchel is confident James will play again in the tournament if England progress. "It's a minor hamstring issue, he's not been able to train the last two days," confirmed Tuchel. "He's now on an accelerated rehabilitation program and we take it game by game, but we strongly believe that he will be available [during the tournament]."

Better news came regarding Bukayo Saka, Declan Rice, and Elliot Anderson, with Tuchel confirming all three would be available to face Panama. Rice (calf) and Anderson (glute) missed training on Thursday but returned on Friday. Tuchel confirmed Saka is ready to start after coming off the bench in the opening two matches due to a long-term Achilles tendinitis issue.