England's World Cup Hopes Hinge on Rice and James Fitness Ahead of Panama Showdown

England will assess the fitness of Reece James and Declan Rice ahead of their decisive World Cup match against Panama. | Football News

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England manager Thomas Tuchel faces a selection dilemma ahead of their crucial World Cup match against Panama, with Declan Rice and Reece James both nursing injuries.

Rice limped out of the Boston Stadium with a calf issue, while James will undergo checks over the next 24 hours after completing the full game against Ghana.

The duo's fitness is crucial for England's tournament plans, with Rice providing defensive balance and control in midfield, and James offering quality at right-back and in possession.

Tuchel must balance the need for a result against Panama with the bigger priority of keeping his key players fit for the knockout rounds.