England sweat on Reece James fitness ahead of Mexico World Cup tie

Reece James missed England’s final training session before the Mexico tie as Thomas Tuchel faced the prospect of reshaping the right side of defence again for the World Cup last 16. Jarell Quansah returned to full training after a twisted ankle and is available for selection, but England go to the Azteca Stadium in Mexico City on Monday, 6 July 2026, at 01:00 BST with their most natural options under strain.

James, the Chelsea defender, has already missed England’s last two matches after suffering a hamstring injury in the closing stages of the goalless draw with Ghana. His absence from Saturday’s session in Mexico City turned the issue into more than a routine fitness check, because England have been forced to plan around a position that has lost its first-choice options.

Tino Livramento withdrew from the 26-man squad before the tournament began after calf surgery, removing another specialist right-back from Tuchel’s plans. Declan Rice has already been used as an emergency option on the flank, including against DR Congo, a reminder that England’s cover on that side is being stretched beyond the ideal balance of the squad.

Quansah’s return gives Tuchel at least one more option. The Liverpool defender came on at right-back against Panama before twisting his ankle, but he is now back in full training and expected to be fit to face Mexico. Tuchel said Quansah was “a little bit ahead of Reece” in recovery and that both players were getting close, which suggests England are still managing two separate timelines rather than treating James as an immediate recall.

That creates a tactical choice against Mexico as much as a medical one. If James is not ready, England lose a defender who can hold width, progress play from the back and help stabilise the right side against pressure. If Rice is used there again, Tuchel sacrifices a midfield presence to patch a defensive gap. If Quansah starts, England preserve more structure but rely on a player just back from injury in a knockout match that could decide how far their title credentials can travel.