World Cup: Tuchel confirms the absence of an English holder
By OnzeActu · · 2 min read
Thomas Tuchel has confirmed that Reece James is out of at least England's next match against Panama due to a minor hamstring injury. The absence could last two games, and the staff recalled Trevor Chalobah for a replacement.
This Saturday evening, England plays against Panama to consolidate its place at the top of Group L. 24 hours before kick-off, Thomas Tuchel announced bad news: his starting right piston, Reece James, will be out for at least the next meeting of the Three Lions. "Reece has a little problem with his thigh, a slight hamstring injury. He hasn't been able to train for the last two days. He is now on an accelerated rehabilitation program and we will evaluate him game by game, but we are confident that he will be available for us again during the tournament," said the England coach. According to The Guardian, James' unavailability could extend to at least two matches, a blow for England who could meet Portugal in the round of 16. It should be remembered that the team had already lost a right back to injury just before the World Cup, with the ouster of Tino Livramento. During his press conference, Thomas Tuchel left uncertainty surrounding the name of James' replacement. "We called Trevor Chalobah to release Jarell Quansah for the right-back position. I found him very solid in that position with Liverpool, and he also played in a three-man defense. And we also have Djed Spence. Nobody could have predicted that," he explained.