Reece James is a fitness headache for England manager Thomas Tuchel ahead of the final group game, with concern over a hamstring issue.
The Chelsea right-back has started both of England’s games so far in America, playing the full 90 minutes against Croatia and Ghana.
The 26-year-old has a history of injuries, but featured regularly for the Blues last season, making 39 appearances in all competitions.
It was not an injury-free campaign, though, with a hamstring problem striking in March and keeping him out for the entirety of April.
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The Daily Mail report that there is now concern over James’ hamstring again and he is being monitored following the goalless draw with Ghana on Tuesday.
England need to win against Panama on Saturday to guarantee that they top the group, but James may well be rested for the contest in New Jersey.
There will be concern if James is out for any longer than the next game as England’s replacements are not necessarily that convincing.
Tino Livramento was forced to leave the squad due to injury ahead of the opening game against Croatia, replaced by centre-back Trevoh Chalobah.
That leaves Tottenham’s Djed Spence and Bayer Leverkusen’s Jarell Quansah as the possible stand-ins for James if he is not available.
Spence started at left-back against Ghana and came on against Croatia, while Quansah is yet to feature at the World Cup.
Explaining calling up Chalobah instead of a full-back to replace Livramento, Tuchel said: ‘We called Trevoh Chalobah because it frees up Jarrell Quansah to play full-back on both sides, and Djed Spence can play full-back on both sides, so it gives us full coverage in defence.’
Reece had moved to dismiss fitness fears ahead of the Ghana game, telling the BBC: ‘I’ve been fit for a long time before my last injury, and I don’t listen to too much noise.’
Tuchel also has the fitness of Declan Rice to worry about, with the midfielder seen limping after the draw with Ghana.
The Arsenal star was already managing hamstring pain, but was also spotted with strapping around his calf on Tuesday night.