Reece James fears his World Cup could be over as Thomas Tuchel told he has to improvise

Reece James is anxiously awaiting the results of a scan on a hamstring injury amid fears his World Cup could be over, talkSPORT understands.

James will miss at least England’s next two matches after feeling the injury in the aftermath of Tuesday’s 0-0 draw with Ghana.

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The issue is a nightmare for Three Lions boss Thomas Tuchel, who opted not to call up another recognised right back when Tino Livramento pulled out of the squad on the eve of the tournament.

As exclusively revealed by talkSPORT, Jarell Quansah is set to start at right back against Panama in New Jersey in James’ place.

James missed training on Thursday ahead of the Three Lions’ clash against Panama this weekend due to the hamstring issue.

The Chelsea right-back picked up the knock during Tuchel’s side’s 0-0 draw with Ghana on Wednesday night.

He has played the full 90 minutes in both of England’s games at the World Cup so far, with the nation now dealt a blow.

Livramento would also have been in the conversation to replace James, along with Quansah, but as mentioned, he pulled out.

So, Tuchel will now have to work out what to do with his defence after losing one of his key stars for the final group game.

Declan Rice is also a doubt after missing training alongside James, while incoming Man City midfielder Elliot Anderson is reported to be suffering from muscle tightness too.

England take on Panama at 10pm on Saturday, live on talkSPORT.

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Hamstring hell

26-year-old James’ latest hamstring injury adds to his fitness nightmare throughout his career so far.

He has suffered a shocking 10 hamstring issues since December 2020, with this now taking his tally to 11.

It appeared that James had potentially got past the worst of his problems last season, recovering in time for the World Cup.

He played 39 times for Chelsea last term, which added up to his highest appearances since the 2021/22 campaign.

But at the worst time, his issues seem to have resurfaced.

And there will be real concern over whether James will be able to work back to full fitness at all in North America.

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Tuchel to improvise

Reacting to the news about James’ injury, former Scotland assistant Mark McGhee told talkSPORT: “A great player, what a shame.

“Thomas Tuchel may have gambled a bit there and maybe he should have thought twice in terms of his injury record, so he’ll have to improvise.

“He’s got good players to improvise with, players to go in there that have played that position before, they shouldn’t lose a beat because of that.

“They won’t lose anything defensively because they have to change that.”

England boss Tuchel may now regret not selecting Trent Alexander-Arnold for his World Cup squad this summer.

James appeared to always be his starter, but Alexander-Arnold was snubbed from making the 26 for the tournament.

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Instead, Livramento was picked, along with Quansah and potential makeshift right-backs Djed Spence and Ezri Konsa.

But with Livramento also having a worrying injury history, just like James, the decision appears not to have paid off.

The pair have both now been ruled out, with centre-back Trevoh Chalobah coming in for Livramento.

And it leaves Tuchel being forced to play players out of position just three games in.

On Alexander-Arnold’s omission coming back to bite the German, talkSPORT’s Jamie O’Hara said: “We should have taken Trent.

“He must be sat there thinking: ‘How am I not in this team?’ As soon as Livramento was injured, he should have brought Trent.”