Thomas Tuchel has revealed that Declan Rice and Elliot Anderson are available for England’s match against Panama if called upon.
The central midfield pair have been integral to England’s first two games of their World Cup campaign but had been considered something of a doubt for England’s final Group L match.
He did not train fully on Thursday. But he and Anderson were both in training at England’s Kansas City base camp on Friday, before the squad flew to New York ahead of Saturday’s meeting with Panama.
Anderson had been dealing with some muscle tightness.
Tuchel gave an update on their situations on Friday evening as he previewed the Panama match.
“Anderson and Rice were training today,” Tuchel said. “They had minor issues after the match but they had enough time to recover.
“So everyone except for Reece James is available, and we will take the decision [on who starts the game] tomorrow.”
Tuchel went on to confirm in an answer to a later question: “Elliot and Declan are both available.”
Having Rice and Anderson available for selection against Panama is a boost to England, who have suffered a blow with regards the fitness of James.
The Chelsea captain is the only nominal right-back in the squad after Tino Livramento dropped out on the eve of the tournament with a calf injury.
Yet James, who has a history of injuries, is now out of the Panama match with a hamstring issue and is a doubt for England’s round of 32 match as well.
