Tuchel defends full-back selection after James injury

England manager Thomas Tuchel has defended his full-back selection policy after confirming Reece James will miss Saturday's World Cup match against Panama.

>As revealed by BBC Sport this week, James was assessed by England medics following Tuesday's goalless draw against Ghana after complaining of a hamstring issue.

>Tuchel has since confirmed that the Chelsea right-back has not travelled to New Jersey from their Kansas City base for their final Group L game against Panama on Saturday (22:00 BST). But he insists James has a chance of playing in England's possible last-32 match next week.

>However, BBC Sport understands that James is a significant doubt for the start of the knockout stages, should England qualify.

>James' injury – and the calf issue that caused Tino Livramento to return home from the United States – has thrown into question Tuchel's decision to bring just 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 at left-back for Manchester City last season, is also in the squad – but he came through the ranks at Etihad Stadium as a midfielder. Dan Burn has also played at left-back but is recognised as a centre-back.

>Spence and central defenders Jarell Quansah and Ezri Konsa are Tuchel's alternative options at right-back.

>Nevertheless, Tuchel said: "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 chequered injury history and Tuchel's decision to take both to the World Cup is likely to be called into question.

>Tuchel, though, is confident James will play again in the World Cup should 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]."

>There was better news with regards to the availability of Bukayo Saka, Declan Rice and Elliot Anderson, who Tuchel said would all 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 because of a long-term Achilles tendinitis complaint.

>Start Rashford? Bring O'Reilly back? Pick your England XI to face Panama