England have received a timely injury boost ahead of their final World Cup group-stage match against Panama in New Jersey on Saturday. Midfielder Declan Rice, who was seen with heavy strapping on his left calf and a noticeable limp after the goalless draw with Ghana, is fit to start, according to The Sun.
England’s World Cup campaign so far
The Three Lions began their tournament with an impressive 4-2 victory over Croatia, the 2018 runners-up and 2022 semi-finalists. However, they were held to a 0-0 draw by Ghana in their second group game, despite dominating possession in Boston on Tuesday evening. England managed only four shots on target in that encounter.
England remain top of Group L and are in pole position to qualify for the knockout stages, but manager Thomas Tuchel may not be able to rotate as much as he would have liked, as his side still need a result to ensure they finish as group winners.
Injury updates and squad rotation
Rice played the full 90 minutes against Ghana, but had been substituted midway through the second half against Croatia as he continues to manage niggles from a long club campaign. Despite the strapping, he is fit to face Panama. However, Tuchel may still opt to rest him, with Kobbie Mainoo in line for his first minutes of the tournament.
Reece James is reportedly struggling with a tight hamstring and is unlikely to be risked given his injury history. Ezri Konsa, Djed Spence, and Jarell Quansah could all deputise at right-back.
Bukayo Saka pushing for first start
Bukayo Saka is pushing for his first start of the tournament as he recovers from Achilles problems. Tuchel had earmarked the Panama game for Saka’s return to the starting lineup. “He seems to be more and more ready, and will hopefully push... He’s getting there, and there’s more and more training sessions,” Tuchel said. “It’s not only about Bukayo, but it was good he got some minutes under his belt. Hopefully, there is no reaction and he is good to go.”
Former Arsenal midfielder Patrick Vieira urged Tuchel to start Saka ahead of Noni Madueke. “When Bukayo Saka was on the field at the end he brought something different to Noni Madueke,” Vieira said on The Rest is Football. “But overall I’m not worried about England’s performance.”
