Tuchel defends full-back selection after James injury

England manager Thomas Tuchel has defended his selection of full-backs despite Reece James being ruled out of Saturday's World Cup match against Panama with a hamstring injury. James will not travel for the game, but Tuchel expressed confidence that the Chelsea right-back could still feature in the knockout stages should England advance.

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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.

However, BBC Sport reports that James is a significant doubt for the start of the knockout rounds. His injury, coupled with Tino Livramento's calf problem, has intensified scrutiny on Tuchel's decision to bring only three recognized full-backs to the tournament. Djed Spence, James, and Livramento were the only genuine full-backs selected, with Nico O'Reilly and Dan Burn being alternative options.

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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.

Despite the concerns, Tuchel stated his satisfaction with the available options. "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," he said. He confirmed James has a "minor hamstring issue" and is on an accelerated rehabilitation program, with the team strongly believing he will be available during the tournament.

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It's a minor hamstring issue, he's not been able to train the last two days.

Tuchel also provided positive updates on Bukayo Saka, Declan Rice, and Elliot Anderson, all of whom are expected to be available to face Panama. Rice and Anderson, who missed training, returned on Friday, while Saka is ready to start after recovering from a long-term Achilles tendinitis complaint.

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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].