England handed huge Reece James injury boost after defender missed Panama victory

Reece James is confident he will play again for England at the World Cup despite Thomas Tuchel's growing injury concerns ahead of the knockout stages.The Chelsea defender missed England's 2-0 victory over Panama on Saturday night after suffering a hamstring injury and is expected to sit out Wednesday's Round of 32 clash with DR Congo.However, according to the Telegraph, James is optimistic that the setback will not end his tournament and believes he can return in time to play a significant role if England progress.His absence has left Tuchel facing an increasingly difficult selection dilemma at right-back. TRENDING Stories Videos Your Say England's defensive problems worsened against Panama when Jarell Quansah, who had stepped in for James, was forced off after suffering a twisted ankle in the second half.The Bayer Leverkusen defender was unable to continue following a challenge and now faces a race against time to recover before the knockout tie.Tuchel admitted afterwards that England's options in the position are becoming increasingly limited.Classic ankle twist and he is in pain, the England boss said.He said he had it before and it is a matter of days. He has his leg up high and in ice.Asked whether he was now worried about the situation at right-back, Tuchel acknowledged the growing concern.LATEST SPORTS NEWS:Rory McIlroy set to avoid punishment despite breaking strict PGA Tour ruleRoy Keane tears into Thomas Tuchel after England World Cup win over Panama - 'Hasn't got a clue'Alan Shearer calls out two England stars after Panama win as Thomas Tuchel left furiousNaturally, he said. Of course, we have another injury in the position.It will be a tight race for Reece James and a tight race for Jarell Quansah, but it is our job to find solutions and we will do.England's problems at full-back began before the tournament had even started when Tino Livramento was forced to withdraw through injury.With James and Quansah also sidelined, Tuchel is left with just two recognised fit full-backs in his squad: Nico O'Reilly and Djed Spence.Both are now in contention to start against DR Congo, although Tuchel could instead move Ezri Konsa across to right-back and restore John Stones to central defence.The injury issues have also reignited debate over Tuchel's squad selection.The England manager came under scrutiny after calling up Trevoh Chalobah to replace Livramento rather than handing a recall to Trent Alexander-Arnold.Chalobah is primarily a central defender, although he has filled in at right-back during his career.Despite the setbacks, England head into the knockout rounds with confidence after topping Group L thanks to victories over Croatia and Panama, along with a draw against Ghana.DR Congo can't be underestimated, however.The minnows qualified for the round of 32 after thumping Uzbekistan 3-1 in the early hours of Sunday morning.Yoane Wissa netted twice, with the Newcastle star producing the goods in North America despite a difficult season at club level. Our Standards: The GB News Editorial Charter