England are sweating on the fitness of right-back Reece James ahead of their crucial World Cup last-16 tie against Mexico on Monday.
James missed the team’s final training session in Mexico City on Saturday, raising significant concerns over his availability for the knockout clash.
The Chelsea defender, 26, has been absent from England’s last two matches after picking up a hamstring injury late in the goalless draw with Ghana.
The Football Association told BBC Sport that James was following his own individual programme away from the training field.
He has yet to train fully with the squad since suffering the injury, and was notably the only player absent from Saturday’s session.
However, England received a timely boost with the news that Jarell Quansah has returned to full training and will be available for selection against Mexico.
Quansah had also been dealing with a hamstring problem, having sustained the injury during the draw with Panama earlier in the tournament.
The Liverpool defender’s versatility will be welcomed by Thomas Tuchel, as Quansah is capable of playing at either centre-back or right-back.
Djed Spence filled the right-back role during England’s victory over DR Congo, though Declan Rice ended up finishing that match in the position.
Rice himself has been managing a hamstring issue throughout the tournament, but the Arsenal midfielder is expected to be fit and available for the Azteca encounter.
England face Mexico at the iconic Azteca stadium in Mexico City, with kick-off scheduled for Monday at 01:00 BST.
Tuchel’s side will be eager to progress through the last-16 stage and will hope that James can recover sufficiently to feature in what promises to be a demanding tie.
