Thomas Tuchel is not expected to take any risks over the fitness of Reece James, with the defender a significant doubt to face Panama in England’s final Group L game.
James is nursing a tight hamstring that he felt at the end of England’s goalless draw against Ghana, and head coach Tuchel is ready to rest the full-back to protect him for the remainder of the World Cup.
England will continue to monitor James to see whether he can return for a potential round-of-32 match. But with the Chelsea captain a major doubt to face Panama, Tuchel must consider whether to move Djed Spence to right-back or ask Ezri Konsa or Jarell Quansah to fill in there.
England have also been assessing the fitness of Declan Rice. While it is believed neither James nor Rice took a full part in training on Thursday, sources believe the Arsenal midfielder is hoping to be cleared to face Panama if Tuchel decides he needs his vice-captain to clinch top spot in Group L.
Tuchel took Rice off against Croatia with nerve pain in a hamstring, and the midfielder limped out of the Boston Stadium after the draw with Ghana with strapping on his left leg having suffered an impact injury.
Rice has been using special compression socks to help boost his fitness as he manages lower-back and hamstring issues that he played with for Arsenal this season.
If Rice is fit to play it will mean Tuchel will have to decide whether to start the Arsenal midfielder for a third consecutive game or manage his fitness by turning to Kobbie Mainoo or Jordan Henderson.
On Wednesday, England had a recovery session in Kansas before returning to full training on Thursday. They will have a final session on Friday, before Tuchel settles on his team.
Tuesday’s 0-0 draw against Ghana has left the England coach with a selection headache, with top spot in Group L still not certain and the German wanting to rotate his team.
Tuchel has suggested that he is ready to unleash Bukayo Saka from the start in New Jersey on Saturday, and Telegraph Sport understands both he and Marcus Rashford are desperate to make their first starts on either flank.
The pair have been used as substitutes in each of England’s first two group games, with Rashford scoring in the victory over Croatia. Anthony Gordon has so far failed to impress on the left wing, while Noni Madueke could not break down Ghana’s low block on the right.