Declan Rice has rejoined England’s group training sessions, offering a boost to Thomas Tuchel’s squad ahead of their crucial final group game against Panama.
The Arsenal midfielder had missed Thursday’s session after leaving the Boston Stadium with strapping on his left calf following England’s 0-0 draw with Ghana on Tuesday.
It was felt the knock simply required rest, and Rice’s return on Friday suggests the injury is not as serious as initially feared by England’s medical staff.
Rice is now expected to be available for Saturday’s Group L decider against Panama, which kicks off at 22:00 BST.
However, Tuchel faces a decision over whether to start Rice, given the midfielder is at risk of suspension for the round of 32 after being booked in the Ghana draw.
While Rice’s return is welcome news, Chelsea defender Reece James was again absent from group training before the squad departed for New York.
The 26-year-old is dealing with a hamstring problem that emerged during Tuesday’s goalless stalemate with Ghana, and he followed an individual programme inside the Kansas City training base rather than joining his team-mates on the pitch.
Tuchel has alternative options available at right-back should James be ruled out, with Jarell Quansah, Djed Spence, and Ezri Konsa all capable of filling the role.
James is considered a key player within England’s defensive setup, and Tuchel will be eager to ensure the injury does not threaten his involvement in the tournament over the longer term.
Elliot Anderson, who is poised for a reported £116m move from Nottingham Forest to Manchester City, was another absentee from Thursday’s training session but returned to the group on Friday alongside Rice.
England currently sit in Group L and know that a win over Panama would secure top spot and allow Tuchel to plan their path through the knockout stages on their own terms.
The Three Lions have been far from convincing so far in the tournament, with the draw against Ghana raising questions about the team’s sharpness in the final third.
A strong performance against Panama would go some way to settling those concerns and building momentum ahead of what promises to be a testing knockout phase.
