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England head coach Thomas Tuchel has suffered another setback, with right-back Reece James ruled out of the team’s next two FIFA World Cup fixtures owing to a hamstring injury, according to The Guardian.

The Three Lions find themselves short of specialist options at right-back ahead of their final group-stage encounter against Panama.

The Chelsea skipper reported discomfort in his hamstring following England’s goalless draw with Ghana in Boston.

He was also absent from Friday’s training session in Kansas City before the squad departed for New York for Saturday’s final Group L match versus Panama.

James will be unavailable for that contest.

The defender is also expected to miss England’s potential round-of-32 clash should Tuchel’s side advance, as the medical team is unwilling to take any chances considering his recurring hamstring issues.

The 26-year-old only recently made his comeback from a similar injury sustained while playing for Chelsea in March, which kept him sidelined for nearly two months.

Despite lingering concerns over his fitness, Tuchel opted to start James in both of England’s opening matches at the World Cup — against Croatia and Ghana — where he completed the full 90 minutes each time.

England’s defensive depth has already been stretched, with Tino Livramento missing the tournament due to a calf injury.

In response, Tuchel brought in Chelsea centre-back Trevoh Chalobah as cover.

Jarell Quansah, Ezri Konsa, and Djed Spence are now among the possible replacements for the right-back position.

Tuchel’s squad selection strategy is expected to come under increased scrutiny.

England are set to face a Panama side likely to defend deep, and they will have to do so without arguably their most creative right-back, Trent Alexander-Arnold.

It is a puzzling scenario, given that Alexander-Arnold’s world-class passing and crossing make him a player capable of unlocking rigid defensive lines.

However, Tuchel chose to leave Alexander-Arnold out of the squad, forcing him to rely on Spence or one of the centre-backs to fill the right-back slot.

While Chalobah, Quansah, or Konsa can provide defensive stability, they lack the attacking flair Alexander-Arnold offers.

If England find it difficult to penetrate Panama’s defence, Tuchel’s decision to omit Alexander-Arnold will likely face heavier criticism.

Adding to Tuchel’s concerns, Elliot Anderson could also miss the Panama clash due to muscle tightness, rather than finalising his move to Manchester City.