Thomas Tuchel weighs rotation as Rice's Panama fitness hangs in balance

Declan Rice could still feature for England against Panama on Saturday despite missing Thursday's England training, while manager Thomas Tuchel says he is prepared to rotate the squad but will not overhaul the lineup. Rice limped away from England's last match against Ghana with heavy strapping on his left calf. Both Rice and Reece James missed Thursday's England training session. Sources indicated Rice's fitness is less of a concern than James'. Rice limped away from England's last match against Ghana with heavy strapping on his left calf. The midfielder's left calf injury was described as not serious by Mike Keegan and Craig Hope.

England face full‑back dilemma as Reece James skips Panama prep

Tuchel suggested he is willing to rotate for the final group game but not too much. He said, “I was not even sure if [we would] do the full rotation [if we had already won the group]… I am not shy to do some rotation now if we think that some players should be on the pitch but maybe more moderate than before.” Keegan and Hope added that no chances will be taken in the Panama game. Kobbie Mainoo is on standby to start if Rice is unable. England are on the verge of qualifying for the World Cup knockouts and may be mathematically guaranteed before the Panama match on Saturday. Their worst‑case scenario is finishing third in the group and being one of the four lowest third‑place finishers. Three groups already have third‑place finishers who cannot possibly have a better record than England, meaning only one more such result is required for progression.