James and Rice miss training in preparation for Panama

Reece James's fitness is in doubt for England's final Group L game against Panama after he missed training on Thursday. The 26-year-old right-back sustained a hamstring problem during the goalless draw with Ghana and did not participate in England's penultimate training session before Saturday's match.

It remains uncertain whether James, a key starter under manager Thomas Tuchel, will be fit enough to play or even be an option from the bench. He has been selected in both of England's World Cup games thus far.

Declan Rice was also absent from Thursday's session at England's training base in Kansas City. He was seen with strapping on his left calf after the Ghana draw. However, sources suggest his fitness is less of a concern than James'.

Despite Rice's absence from training, questions remain about whether Tuchel will risk starting him, particularly given he is one booking away from suspension for the round of 32 after receiving a yellow card against Ghana. England currently leads Group L on goal difference, ahead of Ghana, and holds a one-point advantage over Croatia, whom they defeated 4-2 in their opening game.