Rice Returns, James Remains Doubtful
Declan Rice rejoined England training on Friday after missing the session on Thursday, while Reece James was absent, raising concerns about his participation in England's final group match against Panama.
Chelsea defender James is dealing with a hamstring injury sustained during England's 0-0 draw with Ghana on Tuesday. He was not present at the group training session prior to the squad's departure to New York.
The 26-year-old has been following an individual rehabilitation program inside the training base in Kansas City and has not trained on the pitch alongside his teammates.
Head coach Thomas Tuchel has alternative options at right-back, including Jarell Quansah, Djed Spence, and Ezri Konsa.
James is a vital player for England, and Tuchel will be hoping the injury does not sideline him for the remainder of the tournament.
Rice's Status and Potential Suspension
Rice left the Boston Stadium after the match against Ghana with strapping on his left calf and missed training on Thursday. However, the injury was considered minor and thought to require only rest.
The Arsenal midfielder is expected to be available for the Panama game scheduled for Saturday at 22:00 BST.
It remains uncertain whether Tuchel will start Rice, as the midfielder faces the risk of suspension for the round of 32 due to a booking received in the Ghana match.
Rice's midfield partner, Elliot Anderson, who is on the verge of a £116 million transfer from Nottingham Forest to Manchester City, was also absent from England's Thursday session but returned on Friday.
England's Group Position and Panama Training Incident
England can secure first place in Group L and plan their knockout stage path with a victory over Panama.
During Panama's training on Friday at Montclair State University, two players, Cecilio Waterman and José Luis Rodríguez, were involved in a physical altercation and had to be separated by teammates after shoving each other.
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