The report says James completed the full 90 minutes against Croatia and Ghana before feeling tightness after the 0-0 draw with Ghana. That workload is significant in a compressed tournament, particularly after the defender reportedly missed nearly two months following a previous hamstring injury.
The issue is therefore not simply replacing one starter. It removes specialist depth from a position already requiring careful workload management.
Djed Spence appears to be the closest natural replacement, but the report identifies three centre-backs as alternative options: Jarell Quansah, Ezri Konsa and the recently called-up Trevoh Chalobah.
Spence would offer England a more familiar attacking outlet and preserve the team’s natural width. Choosing a centre-back could provide greater defensive security, but it would likely alter the timing of overlaps and reduce the right side’s attacking balance.
Tuchel’s decision will also reveal how much he values role familiarity over physical and defensive stability. Against a Panama side likely to defend in a compact shape, that trade-off could be decisive.
England’s match against Panama is now the immediate selection story. If James’ reported absence extends into the knockout stage, Tuchel must establish a dependable alternative quickly rather than rely on a one-game patch.
The right-back decision, and the performance of whoever starts there, will be one of England’s clearest indicators of whether their squad can absorb a major tournament setback.