Concerns over Reece James’ availability are set to extend to England’s potential last-32 match as the Chelsea defender recovers from a hamstring injury.
BBC Sport revealed this week that James would require assessment after complaining of a hamstring issue following the 0-0 draw with Ghana.
James has missed both training sessions since the clash against the Black Stars and will miss Saturday’s final World Cup group game versus Panama.
The 26-year-old was following an individual programme inside the training base in Kansas City but was not on the pitch with the rest of his team-mates.
And it is understood there are also fears the Chelsea defender will miss the start of England’s knockout fixtures, should they qualify for the next stage.
The injury calls into question Thomas Tuchel’s decision to bring just three recognised full-backs to the World Cup.
Tino Livramento – who has left the tournament due to injury – Djed Spence and James were the only genuine full-backs selected.
Nico O’Reilly, who played at left-back for Manchester City last season, was also selected but he came through the ranks at the Etihad Stadium as a midfielder.
Spence and central defenders Jarell Quansah and Ezri Konsa are the head coach’s alternative options at right-back.
While James missed Friday’s group training before the squad’s departure to New York, midfielder Declan Rice made a return.
Rice left the Boston Stadium after the Ghana draw with strapping on his left calf and missed training on Thursday – but it was felt the knock just needed rest.
The Arsenal midfielder is expected to be available for the Panama game on Saturday (22:00 BST).
It remains to be seen if Tuchel is willing to start Rice, though, as he is at risk of suspension for the round of 32 after he was booked against Ghana.
Rice’s midfield partner Elliot Anderson – poised for a £116m move from Nottingham Forest to Manchester City – was another who was absent from England’s session on Thursday, but he was present on Friday.
England can secure top spot in Group L and then plot their route through the knockout stages with a win over Panama.
At Panama’s training on Friday, two players had to be separated after a physical altercation where they were seen shoving each other.
Cecilio Waterman and José Luis Rodríguez were forced apart by team-mates at the session at Montclair State University.
But Panama coach Thomas Christiansen said he wished he had seen more of that kind of behaviour among his squad.
“What happened today in training, this is a normal situation,” said Christiansen.
“I would’ve liked to see these situations more often, that means the team is alive. They are willing to do a good effort, to be in the first XI for the game,” he explained.
“If this happens another time, it’s a good sign that they are alive,” he added.
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