England’s preparations for their final Group L fixture against Panama were jolted on Friday when Reece James sat out training in Kansas City, his right hamstring again the source of concern. The 26-year-old, who had played every minute of the win over Croatia and the goalless draw with Ghana, is now expected to miss not only Saturday’s match at the MetLife Stadium but also the last-32 tie should England progress. British media report that the Chelsea captain felt discomfort after the Ghana stalemate and has been placed on an individual programme, a setback that revives a long-running narrative around his fitness. With natural deputy Tino Livramento already ruled out of the tournament and Trent Alexander-Arnold omitted from the squad, Tuchel faces a reshuffle that could see Djed Spence switch flanks or Jarell Quansah pressed into service at full-back.

The injury lands at a delicate moment. England lead the group on four points, level with Ghana but ahead on goal difference, while Croatia sit a point behind. A victory over already-eliminated Panama would guarantee first place and a theoretically softer last-32 opponent — a third-placed side from another group — in Atlanta. Any other result, however, opens the door to second place or even a nervy wait on the best third-placed rankings. Viewed from Madrid, Spanish analysts note that the group’s final permutation hinges on the simultaneous clash between Croatia and Ghana in Philadelphia, where a draw would suit the Africans and a win is essential for the Balkan side. The arithmetic is clear: England must match or better Ghana’s result to top the section.

Tuchel’s selection dilemmas extend beyond the back line. Declan Rice, who limped off with a bandaged calf after the Ghana match, participated in training but may be rested with the knockout phase in mind. Further forward, the blunt attacking display against Ghana has prompted calls for change. Bukayo Saka, building sharpness after an Achilles issue, is pushing for a start, while Marcus Rashford’s goal off the bench against Croatia makes him a strong candidate to replace Anthony Gordon on the left. Elliot Anderson, meanwhile, trained amid reports of a medical ahead of a potential transfer to Manchester City, a subplot that has not gone unnoticed in English football circles.

Panama, for their part, arrive with nothing to lose. Eliminated after narrow defeats to Ghana and Croatia, the Central Americans are still chasing a first World Cup point. Their coach, Thomas Christiansen, has urged his side to replicate the aggressive, compact shape that frustrated Ghana for long periods. The memory of the 6-1 thrashing by England in 2018 lingers, but this Panama side has conceded only twice in two matches and will likely defend deep, daring England to break them down — precisely the challenge that stymied Tuchel’s men in Boston.

The immediate consequence is a fixture freighted with consequence despite the mismatch on paper. Secure top spot, and England’s route to the latter stages avoids a likely meeting with Colombia or Portugal in the next round. Slip, and the knockout path becomes far more treacherous. For a team still searching for its first major trophy since 1966, the margin for error is already thin.