Reece James is unlikely to start for England in their upcoming last-16 World Cup match against Mexico in Mexico City, as the team continues to grapple with a series of defensive injuries. The Chelsea captain has missed the last two games with a hamstring problem sustained on June 23.
Daily Mail Sport understands that James, 26, will not join the rest of the squad for their final training session at Club Universidad Nacional’s training complex. Instead, he will follow an individual recovery program. While a final decision on his participation has not been made, this development suggests he is not in line to start against Mexico, though his involvement in some capacity remains a possibility.
England's right side of defense has been particularly affected by injuries throughout the tournament. James's usual replacement, Jarell Quansah, twisted his ankle in the match following the one where James was injured and has been sidelined since. Prior to the tournament, Newcastle United full-back Tino Livramento was forced to withdraw from the squad due to a calf injury sustained in training.
Djed Spence of Tottenham played in the team's recent 2-1 victory over DR Congo. Head coach Thomas Tuchel had previously indicated that both James and Quansah were nearing availability for that fixture. Declan Rice was utilized as an emergency right-back in the closing stages of the DR Congo game but is expected to return to his midfield role.
Tuchel is known to be an admirer of James and would likely want to reintegrate him into the team when fit. England is scheduled to train at 4 p.m. local time, which is 11 p.m. in the UK.