Anderson and James have started both of England’s World Cup group games so far. Marc Atkins/Getty Images
June 26, 2026 Updated 5:19 pm EDT
Elliot Anderson is a doubt for England’s final Group L game against Panama with muscle soreness while Reece James will miss Saturday’s match with a minor hamstring problem in a pre-planned move.
Anderson, 23, started the first two matches of the World Cup in midfield for Thomas Tuchel’s side, playing a total of 163 minutes against Croatia and Ghana, but may not feature at MetLife Stadium with a glute issue.
Chelsea defender James, who has also started twice, could also miss the round of 32, should England qualify, but the issue is not believed to be serious and he should still play a significant part in the tournament, if the team progress.
England are almost guaranteed to advance to the knockout stage regardless of the outcome of Saturday’s game as at least one of the best third-place finishers.
They sit top of the group on goal difference, with theirs one better than Ghana’s, heading into the Panama match.
Anderson is set to complete a £116million ($153m) move to Manchester City from Nottingham Forest and has been given permission to undergo a medical after all parties have exchanged paperwork.
He has agreed a five-year deal with the option of a further year with a salary, if bonuses are achieved, that would see him earn in the region of £300,000 per week at the Etihad Stadium.
The fee will be the most ever paid for a British player and is a new club record for City, surpassing the £100m they paid for Jack Grealish in 2021.
Anderson has 11 caps for England after making his international debut in September, while James has appeared 26 times for his country.
Jun 26, 2026
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