Reece James doubtful for remaining World Cup matches

Reece James could potentially miss the rest of England’s World Cup fixtures after suffering a hamstring injury in the 0-0 draw with Ghana on Tuesday.

The Chelsea captain could now miss the rest of the World Cup, with manager Thomas Tuchel having to choose between Djed Spence, Ezri Konsa, Jarell Quansah and Trevoh Chalobah as his new right-back for the remainder of the tournament.

James is expected to be out for the Three Lions until well into the knockout stages of the tournament as he battles to recover from a hamstring injury.

The England international was seen limping to the bench late in the 0-0 draw with Ghana on Tuesday, but was allowed to play on because Tuchel had already made all five substitutions.

Before the tournament commenced, the 24-year-old was in the best of shape since March, playing a pivotal role England’s dominant 4-2 victory against Croatia in the opening fixture before earning a laboured 0-0 against West African giants Ghana.

Devastated by the situation, James has not travelled with the rest of the squad to New Jersey for Saturday’s final Group L game against Panama.

Rather than leave the England camp, James has chosen to stay with the squad and continue his rehabilitation, hoping to regain fitness in time to play a part should the Three Lions progress to the latter stages of the tournament.

Reece James could rejoin his teammates in the knockout stages (Images: Getty Images)

Tuchel, when discussing James’ injury setback that “no one could see that coming” and that the Chelsea captain had come into camp “in good shape.”

“The thinking of calling Chalobah is to free up Quansah on the right full-back position for us,” said Tuchel. “I saw him playing very strongly there for Liverpool and he played enough in a back three – which is not so far from the position – in Leverkusen. And we have Djed Spence.

“No one could see that [James injury] coming. Reece was in good shape.

“Konsa played in that right-back position as well for us on a high level. No problem. We would love to have Reece as a key player, but he’s not available. We will find solutions. That’s what we do.”