The England camp received a timely boost on Friday as Declan Rice was back on the training pitch, a welcome sight for Gareth Southgate as he fine tune...
The England camp received a timely boost on Friday as Declan Rice was back on the training pitch, a welcome sight for Gareth Southgate as he fine tunes his plans for the upcoming Panama fixture. The West Ham midfielder's presence in the session suggests his minor knock has cleared up, restoring a crucial element of balance to the side.Yet the nagging doubt over Reece James persists. The right back was again conspicuous by his absence from the group, a situation that will have the coaching staff fretting over their tactical flexibility. James offers a unique blend of defensive solidity and attacking thrust from the flank, a profile that is sorely missed when he is not in the mix.Is this just a precautionary measure, or is there a deeper concern The fact that he remains a doubt for the Panama game raises serious questions about his readiness. England cannot afford to carry passengers in these high stakes fixtures, and if James is not fully sharp, Southgate will have to lean on his deputies. The manager will be hoping for positive news in the next 24 hours, because a fully fit James is a weapon few teams can handle. Without him, the right side loses some of its sting.For now, the focus is on building momentum. Rice's return stabilises the midfield engine room, allowing the team to dictate play. But every manager knows that squeaky bum time comes when key men are on the treatment table. The clock is ticking for James, and England fans will be holding their breath.
