England have been handed a timely injury boost ahead of their final World Cup group-stage encounter against Panama in New Jersey on Saturday.
The Three Lions got their tournament off to the perfect start with an impressive and free-flowing 4-2 win over 2018 World Cup runners-up and 2022 semi-finalists Croatia.
But Thomas Tuchel’s side were swiftly brought back down to earth in their second group game against Ghana, failing to break down a spirited Carlos Queiroz side in a goalless draw.
The Three Lions dominated possession in Boston on Tuesday evening but managed only four shots on target throughout the encounter.
Don’t miss a World Cup moment
We’re witnessing history at this World Cup – our daily newsletter helps you make the most of it. Sign up.
And while England remain top of Group L and in pole position to qualify for the knockout stages, Tuchel may not be able to rotate as much as he would have hoped with his side still needing a result to ensure they finish as group winners.
After England’s draw with Ghana, there was concern for Declan Rice after the Arsenal midfielder was spotted walking with heavy strapping on his left calf and a noticeable limp.
Rice played the full 90 minutes in Boston, but had come off midway through the second against Croatia as he continues to manage various niggles from a long and gruelling campaign at club level.
However, The Sun reports that despite those injuries, Rice remains fit to start England’s final group game against Panama.
Tuchel may well still opt to rest the midfielder, though, with Kobbie Mainoo potentially in line for his first minutes of the tournament.
It is not all good news for England, though, with Reece James reportedly complaining of a tight hamstring and unlikely to be risked for England’s final game given his chequered injury past.
Ezri Konsa, Djed Spence and Jarell Quansah could all deputise at right-back for the Chelsea captain.
Elsewhere, Bukayo Saka will be pushing for his first start of the tournamentas he continues to work his way back up to full fitness after problems with his Achilles at the end of the season.
Tuchel had earmarked the game against Panama for Saka’s first start, recently saying: ‘He seems to be more and more ready, and will hopefully push, and then we will see what is coming.
‘He’s getting there, and there’s more and more training sessions, so he needs to have more sessions now. Two sessions to be ready for Panama.
‘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.’
Speaking after England’s draw with Ghana, former Arsenal midfielder Patrick Vieira urged Tuchel to start Saka in place of his club teammate, Noni Madueke.
‘If England play teams like this again there will be a different approach and maybe different players on the field,’ Vieira said on The Rest is Football.
‘When Bukayo Saka was on the field at the end he brought something different to Noni Madueke. But overall I’m not worried about England’s performance.’
For more stories like this, check our sport page.
Follow Metro Sport for the latest news on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.