Key England starter hit with huge injury scare as Tuchel's squad selection scrutinised by fans

A key figure in the England starting XI for the opening two World Cup fixtures has missed training with a hamstring injury scare, opening up head coach Thomas Tuchel to scrutiny over a lack of cover.

England has already suffered setbacks with injuries at the 2026 World Cup, with Tino Livramento's tournament ending before a ball had been kicked.

Ongoing fitness woes about Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka have highlighted how a deep season fighting in all major competitions for Arsenal has taken its toll on two of the Three Lions' biggest players.

However, another nailed-on starter has now been forced to sit out of training as the defensive cover has been criticised.

Following England's disappointing goalless draw against Ghana, injury-prone right-back Reece James is the latest player to need medical attention.

Reece James' World Cup in doubt as he misses England training

Having enjoyed one of his most consistent seasons in a Chelsea shirt, thanks to careful man-management by former boss Liam Roseinior, Reece James' injury woes have reared their ugly head again.

The 26-year-old right-back featured in 44 appearances for the Blues this season, a stark increase from the 11 he managed in 22/23. But a recurring hamstring issue ruled him out of four of the last eight games of the Premier League season, accruing just 64 minutes of action since March 14.

Now, that same issue appears to have plagued James again, as he missed England training on July 25 alongside Declan Rice.

Both players are a doubt for England's next fixture against Panama, where Thomas Tuchel might not be afforded the luxury of wholesale lineup changes after dropping points against Ghana.

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Rice, who was seen with extensive strapping on his calf after full time, has also been nursing a back injury and was likely going to be rotated, especially with new Manchester City player Elliot Anderson taking the reins in the deep-lying midfield role.

However, James' injury is much scarier for England. Tuchel opted to put a lot of faith in his old Chelsea player, selecting him as the only recognised right-back, with Djed Spence utilised on both sides and centre-back Ezra Konsa being touted as extra cover there.

Tuchel chose to leave the likes of Lewis Hall and Trent Alexander-Arnold at home, despite being short in the full-back department, which raised even more eyebrows when centre-back Trevoh Chalobah replaced Livramento.

"It’s been said repeatedly and with frustration about Reece James: there’s always the risk of a niggle, especially when he's asked to start back-to-back," said talkSPORT correspondent Henry Winter on X.

"Full-back brings a different test of hamstrings to midfield. It’s frustrating when his body lets such a talent down."

"Tuchel knew the risk going into the tournament. Full-back's a huge problem, and he’s stockpiled centre-backs (some can play right-back). At left-back, let’s hope Nico O’Reilly comes back in for Djed Spence against Panama."

Without James, England would only have Spence and Nico O'Reilly as comfortable options in the wide defensive areas, which would put a lot of impetus on them playing a lot of minutes.

Tuchel even clashed with Spence during the Ghana match, being caught on camera berating the full-back who wasn't executing his tactics.

It's not yet sure how extensive James' injury is, but it doesn't seem to be enough to keep him out of the tournament, rather just his participation in the Panama game on Saturday, June 27.