Rice and James miss England training before Panama clash

England sweat on Rice and James

Declan Rice and Reece James both missed England training on Thursday, putting their availability for Saturday's match against Panama in doubt (1) (2). No official word yet from the England camp on the severity. Rice anchors the midfield. James is their best right-back. If both sit, that is two of England's most reliable players out of the lineup you face in Toronto.

Shearer wants Saka and Rashford unleashed

Alan Shearer is pushing Thomas Tuchel to start Bukayo Saka and Marcus Rashford on the wings against Panama. "Probably the biggest call for Tuchel is what he does with his wingers," Shearer said (3) (4). He wants them both from the start, not off the bench. That would mean Anthony Gordon and Noni Madueke drop out (3). Saka and Rashford bring pace and big-game experience, exactly what England lacked in their opener.

Neville: drop Gordon for Rogers

Gary Neville has a different name in mind. He thinks Morgan Rogers should replace Anthony Gordon against Panama (5). No consensus among the pundits. Tuchel has multiple options and England's press are debating every one of them publicly. For your team, the uncertainty cuts both ways, you cannot fully prepare for the wingers you will face until the team sheet drops.

Fan reactions

England fans are not exactly relaxed ahead of Saturday. On forums, the Rice injury news has caused real anxiety, many see him as the one player they cannot replace. The Saka and Rashford debate is split: some want the big names, others worry about disrupting the rhythm. One thread sums up the mood: nobody knows what Tuchel's best XI actually is. Read the discussion here