When will Reece James return after being ruled out of England vs Panama at FIFA World Cup 2026?

Reece James will not play for England against Panama at the FIFA World Cup 2026.

But how long will the right-back be out for?

Reece James could be back for the Last 16 of the FIFA World Cup

After a tremendous 4-2 victory against Croatia, England were held to a 0-0 draw by Ghana in a result that gave everyone a reality check following such a great opening display. And to make matters worse, Reece James, who has been suffering from an ankle injury since March, reported tightness after the game.

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Because of this, the gifted player will not feature for England against Panama at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, USA. After not training on Thursday, the talented footballer didn’t make the trip to the East Coast with the rest of the squad.

As per The Guardian, Thomas Tuchel said: “We see it as a minor hamstring issue, minor hamstring injury. He was not able to train in the last two days.

“He is now in an accelerated rehabilitation programme and we take it game by game, but we strongly believe that he will be available for us in the tournament. No one could see that coming. Reece was in good shape and felt very good.

“It’s a bit unlucky, but as for [Jarell] Quansah playing in the position as well for us on a high level, it’s still no problem. We would love to have Reece as a key player; we would love to have him on the way, but he’s not available. We will find solutions, that’s what we do. It’s a short period of time, it’s a tournament.”

The Guardian added that James is out for at least two games, meaning he will not be playing the Round of 32. The earliest we’ll see him back in an England shirt will be in the Last 16—if England can get there, of course.

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