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Panama

Saka fitness latest and two more England doubts before Panama

Saka could start against you Saturday

Bukayo Saka may face Panama in the group-stage match on Saturday at MetLife Stadium. Thomas Tuchel confirmed the winger is ready but sounded cautious: "It's not the moment to shout for individual names" (1). England drew 0–0 with Ghana in their opener and need a win against your team.

The pressure on England is real. Saka is their most dangerous wide player and Tuchel is weighing whether to start him or manage his minutes. Either way, your backline will have to handle him.

James and Rice fitness doubts for Saturday

Two more England players are in question. Reece James looked uncomfortable during the Ghana match in Boston, and Declan Rice is also being assessed ahead of Saturday (2) (3). Both will be checked in the build-up to the New Jersey match.

James has a hamstring concern that Chelsea are watching closely. They do not want their captain pushed too hard (3).

Fan reactions

Chelsea supporters are focused on James. The worry is the same as ever, too many minutes, too soon, and another long layoff. One fan shared the Matt Law report and the thread is heavy with concern about England managing his workload before the club season resumes.

Read the full thread

Sources

  • 1. theguardian.com — Bukayo Saka may start against Panama but Tuchel wary of pressuring him
  • 2. bbc.co.uk — England's James and Rice to have fitness assessed
  • 3. readchelsea.com — Reece James Hamstring Concern Gives Chelsea A Familiar England Worry