Reece James is a doubt for England's final Group L fixture after the right-back missed Thursday's training session in Kansas City, raising concerns over his availability for Saturday's clash with Panama (22:00 BST) at New York New Jersey Stadium.

The 26-year-old Chelsea defender picked up a hamstring problem during Tuesday's goalless draw with Ghana and sat out England's penultimate preparation session ahead of the decisive group-stage encounter.

James has started both of England's World Cup games under manager Thomas Tuchel and remains a key figure in the side, making his absence from training all the more notable. Whether he will be ready to start or even feature from the bench remains unclear.

Declan Rice was also absent from Thursday's session, having left Boston Stadium after the Ghana draw with strapping visible on his left calf. However, sources close to the squad suggest the 27-year-old midfielder's fitness issue is less of a concern than James's.

Tuchel faces an additional dilemma with Rice — the Arsenal midfielder was booked against Ghana and is now at risk of suspension for the round of 32 should he pick up another yellow card against Panama. That threat could influence whether Tuchel opts to start him.

England's group standing

Despite the fitness worries, England head into the Panama game in a solid position. They lead Group L ahead of Ghana on goal difference and hold a one-point advantage over Croatia, whom they defeated 4-2 in their opening fixture.

A positive result against Panama would confirm their place in the last 32, but the fitness of two of their key men adds uncertainty to their preparations.