England secured top spot in Group L with a 2-0 win over Panama in their final group-stage match, but an injury crisis at right-back leaves Thomas Tuchel facing a key decision before their clash with DR Congo; Declan Rice is expected to return, while the starting midfield lineup remains under discussion.
Former Watford striker Troy Deeney criticised Jed Spence's defensive performance on talkSPORT, questioning Thomas Tuchel's failure to deploy Lewis Hall and Trent Alexander-Arnold, as England's right-back injury crisis puts knockout-stage selection under the spotlight.
England manager Thomas Tuchel confirmed Reece James will miss the final group-stage match against Panama due to a minor hamstring injury, while Rice, Saka and the rest of the squad remain available; Anderson transfer rumours were asked to be handled after the match.
In England's final World Cup group-stage match against Panama, Tuchel is expected to make five changes to the starting lineup. Rice will be rested, James is ruled out through injury, and Rashford and Saka could both earn their first starts of the tournament.
England right-back Reece James, 26, picked up a hamstring injury after the draw with Ghana. It remains unclear whether he can recover in time for Saturday's final group-stage match against Panama at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, after training alone on Friday.
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