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New Delhi: Elliot Anderson is likely to missEngland’s last Group L match of the FIFA World Cup 2026 due to muscle soreness, while defender Reece James has been ruled out of Saturday’s match with a minor hamstring problem, reports The Athletic.

Anderson has started the opening two matches of the ongoing 48-team global tournament for Thomas Tuchel’s side. He played a total of 163 minutes against Croatia and Ghana, but is likely to miss the clash at MetLife Stadium due to a glute issue.

According to the same report, the midfielder is set to complete a £116million ($153m) transfer from Nottingham Forest to Manchester City. Anderson has been permitted to undergo a medical after all parties have exchanged paperwork.

He has agreed to sign a five-year contract with Manchester City, with an option to extend it by one more year. Including bonuses, the midfielder is set to earn around £300,000 per week at the Etihad Stadium.

This will be a record fee for any British player, and is a new club record for Manchester City, surpassing the £100m they paid for forward Jack Grealish in 2021.

Chelsea defender Reece James, who also made two starts, was ruled out of Saturday’s clash and is likely to miss the round of 32 match if England qualify. His problem is not considered serious, and he will be able to play a significant part in the World Cup if the team progresses.

The Three Lions are almost guaranteed to qualify for the knockout round regardless of the result of Saturday’s game, as at least one of the best third-place sides. England are currently placed at the top of the group due to the better goal difference than Ghana, leading into the Panama clash.

Anderson has made 11 appearances for England after making his international debut in September, while James has 26 caps for his country.