England faces a difficult squad dilemma at the World Cup as both Reece James and Declan Rice sustained injuries after the draw against Ghana, forcing Thomas Tuchel to find alternative solutions.
The England team is extremely worried about their squad situation following the goalless draw against Ghana in Boston. Defender Reece James is currently being closely monitored by medical staff due to concerns over another hamstring injury.
In the past, James has had an extensive history with this type of injury, having previously been sidelined for up to 9 matches from mid-March to early May this year. In the recent match, he required lengthy medical treatment following a collision to the head area right in the first half but still played the full match. Nevertheless, the hamstring is what worries the coaching staff the most, especially since coach Thomas Tuchel does not have many options on the right flank. Currently, the English Football Association has declined to comment on the Chelsea defender’s situation.
Aside from the defense, the Three Lions’ midfield also suffered a blow as Declan Rice sustained a calf injury. After leaving Boston Stadium, the England vice-captain was spotted moving with his left calf heavily bandaged and limping.
In reality, Rice has been enduring a hamstring issue since the Christmas period in the Premier League. Although the new injury is not overly severe, the coaching staff is highly unlikely to risk using him in the final group stage match against Panama in New Jersey this weekend.
To prepare for the scenario of Rice’s absence, coach Tuchel had arranged for Kobbie Mainoo to practice in midfield even before the match against Ghana. The 21-year-old young talent is ready for his first World Cup start, pairing up with Elliot Anderson – who also recently encountered a minor muscle issue but has stabilized.
