England latest: Rice and James being assessed ahead of Panama clash

England’s preparations for their final Euro 2024 group-stage match against Panama have been thrown into uncertainty after Declan Rice and Reece James were withdrawn from training on Wednesday. The Arsenal midfielder and Chelsea full-back are undergoing medical assessments, leaving Gareth Southgate with a late call to make before the 8pm BST kick-off in Hamburg on Sunday, June 23.

Why the assessments matter now

The timing could hardly be tighter. Rice and James are central to England’s spine and defence respectively, and both were involved in the 1-0 win over Serbia on Sunday. Rice completed 94 passes under pressure, while James made three tackles and provided the assist for Jude Bellingham’s winner in the 63rd minute. Southgate’s squad has already been trimmed by illness and injury this week, with Ivan Toney ruled out and James Maddison missing the Serbia game after a knock. A further loss of key personnel would force the manager into reshaping his starting XI with minimal preparation time.

Sky Sports understands the pair are being monitored for unspecified issues, with no immediate clarity on whether they will face Panama. The Football Association has not issued an updated injury list, but the absence of both players from the latest training session at the Volksparkstadion underlines the seriousness of their situations. Southgate has until the pre-match press conference to confirm his team, with no scope for a late fitness test.

What comes next for Southgate

If Rice or James are ruled out, Southgate will need to call on cover from within the 26-man squad. Kobbie Mainoo, who started against Serbia, could step into midfield, while Kieran Trippier or Trent Alexander-Arnold might be asked to deputise at right-back. The manager has already rotated his squad during the group stage, resting key players in the final session before the Serbia game, but this latest development demands an immediate tactical pivot.

The Panama match is a dead rubber after England topped Group C, but Southgate has repeatedly stressed the importance of squad rotation and freshness ahead of the knockout stages. A depleted lineup against a technically limited opponent could still expose England to early pressure, especially if their usual patterns of play are disrupted. The manager’s decision will hinge on medical clarity, but the risk of overcommitting players who are already carrying minor issues is clear.

Tactical implications of missing Rice and James

Rice’s absence would rob England of their metronomic passer and defensive shield, forcing Mainoo or another midfielder to cover ground between defence and attack. James’s direct replacement would likely be less adventurous, potentially allowing Panama to crowd the centre and force England wide. Southgate’s usual 3-5-2 shape could morph into a back four if a wing-back is drafted in, altering the balance of the side’s build-up play.

The manager’s flexibility has been a hallmark of this tournament so far, but the loss of two such integral figures tests that adaptability. Panama, despite their 3-1 defeat to Portugal, showed resilience in pressing and transitioning quickly. England cannot afford to cede control early, particularly if their midfield lacks Rice’s composure under pressure.

Southgate’s final squad announcement will arrive with little margin for error. The stakes are low for the result, but the implications for fitness and squad harmony are significant. With the knockout rounds looming, every decision now carries weight beyond the Panama game.

Source: Sky Sports Premier League