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England's biggest strength has become a World Cup weakness

Just three games into the 2026 World Cup, England find themselves shorn of all three of their named options at right-back, making what was once an abundant area of the pitch for the Three Lions a real problem position at the worst possible time. Reece James, Tino Livramento and Jarell Quansah are all out injured, and Thomas Tuchel is now under significant scrutiny for some bizarre selection calls.

RANKED: Who are England's best penalty-takers?

It’s time for the knockout stages of the 2026 World Cup, which means it’s time for penalty shootout drama. Generally, England have a terrible reputation when it comes to spot-kicks, winning just four of the 11 shootouts they’ve participated in. But the signs suggest the tide is turning, with three of those wins coming in their last four.

Have England lost another full-back? Tuchel delivers Quansah update

England manager Thomas Tuchel is facing a full-blown selection crisis at right-back after Jarrell Quansah became the latest casualty of a damaging 2026 World Cup campaign. The Bayer Leverkusen defender was forced off during the Three Lions' 2-0 victory over Panama, leaving the coaching staff sweating over his availability for the knockout rounds.

England v Ghana: Group L - FIFA World Cup 2026

Reece James to miss Panama game as Declan Rice declared fit

England will be without Reece James for Saturday's World Cup group-stage clash with Panama after the Chelsea defender suffered a hamstring injury. James started matches against Croatia and Ghana but did not travel with the squad for the final group fixture. He is expected to miss England's next two matches in a significant blow for Thomas Tuchel.

It's time for Tuchel to start Saka & Rashford!

Thomas Tuchel definitely didn't want to be in this situation. After England's tournament-opener, in which the Three Lions rather comfortably saw off Croatia, it was presumed that the German coach would be thinking about rotation by now. His hardest opponent was out of the way, meaning another win, over Ghana, would secure top spot with a game to spare. Instead, he has to stick with the big guns after an incredibly frustrating draw with the Black Stars.

England v Croatia: Group L - FIFA World Cup 2026

Double injury scare for England as James & Rice miss training

England boss Thomas Tuchel is facing a nervous wait over the fitness of two of his most important players ahead of the final World Cup Group L clash against Panama. Reece James and Declan Rice both missed a key training session in Kansas City, leaving the Three Lions with major selection headaches as they look to secure top spot in the group.

England fear ANOTHER Reece James injury at World Cup

England are sweating on the fitness of right-back Reece James ahead of Saturday's World Cup group encounter against Panama. The Chelsea captain is being closely monitored by medical staff after reporting a tight hamstring, leaving manager Thomas Tuchel facing a potential defensive reshuffle with several alternative backline options on standby.

Chelsea FC v FC Barcelona - UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD5

Mourinho leaves James 'devastated' with Real transfer decision

Chelsea captain Reece James has admitted to being left "devastated" following the departure of Marc Cucurella to Real Madrid. The Spanish full-back has completed a high-profile move to the Santiago Bernabeu to link up with Jose Mourinho, leaving a significant void in the Blues' backline.

Injury-prone & inexperienced: Is England's defence good enough?

There are plenty of compelling reasons to suggest that England could win the 2026 World Cup. In Harry Kane, they have perhaps the best striker in world football at present. They also possess the best midfielder in the Premier League in Declan Rice, and an immensely shrewd tactician in Thomas Tuchel to help knit some of the most talented forward players in Europe together.

Six reasons why England will NOT win the World Cup

After 'thirty years of hurt' for the England national team, football was meant to come 'home' in 1996. And yet 30 years on, the Three Lions still haven't won a major trophy since the 1966 World Cup. Might the most infamous title drought in international football be about to come to an end, though? England qualified for this summer's World Cup by winning all of their matches and without conceding a single goal, meaning there's a legitimate sense of optimism surrounding Thomas Tuchel's team.

Why James hasn’t looked to sister Lauren for ‘winning’ advice

As Reece James prepares to lead England's defensive line at the upcoming World Cup, the 26-year-old is determined to finally make his mark on the global stage after the heartbreak of missing out on Qatar 2022. While his sister, Lauren James, has already tasted international success with the Lionesses, the Blues skipper insists he has his own blueprint for success.

RANKED: Top 50 players of the Premier League season

And there you have it - the 2025-26 Premier League season is over. Arsenal are the champions while West Ham have been relegated alongside Wolves and Burnley as Tottenham secured survival on the final day. While the football hasn't always been the most scintillating, it's been a campaign full of twists and turns at both ends of the table, making it difficult to predict any result given the increased parity among the teams in the English top-flight.

Thomas Tuchel Phil Foden Jude Bellingham England

England World Cup squad: Jude & Madueke in; Foden & Palmer out

England manager Thomas Tuchel has named his 26-man squad for the 2026 World Cup, with Jude Bellingham and Noni Madueke among those to get the nod as Phil Foden and Cole Palmer miss out. Harry Kane captains the Three Lions in their bid to bring 60 years of international trophy heartache to a close, with Ivan Toney, Ollie Watkins and Marcus Rashford providing support and competition in the attacking department.

New Chelsea boss Alonso is BlueCo's get-out-of-jail-free card

Could this be the moment that Chelsea's fortunes finally change under the beleaguered BlueCo ownership? The club has pulled off what looks like a seismic coup by luring Xabi Alonso to Stamford Bridge despite their continued struggles, somehow convincing the revered 44-year-old former Real Madrid boss to take the reins ahead of what now promises to be an era-defining summer.

‘Great story’ at Chelsea used as inspiration for Derry & Co

Reece James is considered to be a “great story” at Chelsea that acts as inspiration for the likes of Jesse Derry and other starry-eyed academy hopefuls. The Blues have always kept a pathway open to their first-team for the hottest of prospects, but Gary Cahill has explained to GOAL why it is “natural” that said journey will sometimes prove difficult to complete.

Could this be the England XI that will make "football is coming home" a reality at the 2026 World Cup?

A fan has his say! One sharp football mind delivers a masterclass in selection: A balanced, ruthless lineup built for 2026 dominance. You may not agree with every name, but you can’t ignore the logic.

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