England manager Thomas Tuchel has confirmed that Bukayo Saka is pain-free and will be available to start Saturday's decisive Group L finale against Panama — though a hamstring problem has ruled out right-back Reece James for the fixture.

Saka's return after careful management

Saka missed the starting eleven for England's opening two World Cup matches against Croatia and Ghana, coming on as a substitute in both games. A persistent Achilles issue, which had disrupted his final weeks at Arsenal, was the reason for that cautious approach.

Tuchel revealed that the decision to ease Saka back was made in close consultation with the medical staff at Arsenal, and that the winger has now been fully comfortable for several days.