England player Reece James to miss next match Hamstring Injury - Who can Replace Him?

England right-back Reece James has been ruled out of at least the next World Cup match for his team, as per reports.

According to The Guardian, James has suffered an injury and Thomas Tuchel will be without the defender for their next group stage encounter against Panama.

What happened to Reece James?

The England right-back suffered a hamstring injury towards the end of the goalless draw against Ghana. As a result, he missed training with the full squad and is now a major doubt for England's final group-stage match against Panama.

England are treating the issue with caution because of James's long history of muscle problems. Manager Thomas Tuchel is unlikely to rush him back into action. James has already featured in England's opening games at the tournament and made his World Cup debut in this competition. While he is expected to miss the Panama fixture, there is still hope that he can recover in time for the knockout stages if England progress. The medical team will continue to monitor his condition closely over the coming days, but alternate report suggests the England defender may be out for at least 10 days.

James has so far played both matches for the Three Lions, starting against Croatia and Ghana. The 26-year-old right back has been Tuchel's first choice and his absence will be a big blow for them.

Who can replace Reece James?

In the England squad, Tuchel doesn't have an outright right back at the moment. The likes of Djed Spence, Jarell Quansah can play as right backs, while Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice has also honed the role for his club at times.

Can England bring any player if James Ruled out for World Cup?

FIFA has strict guidelines for player replacements in the World Cup. As per the rule, no outfield player can be replaced if he gets injured during the tournament.

In the case of Reece James, if his hamstring injury is long-term and occurred after England's 24-hour deadline before their first game, he cannot be replaced by another player. England would continue with a reduced squad.