England right-back Reece James is in serious doubt for the World Cup Round of 16 tie against co-hosts Mexico at the Azteca Stadium.

James has been sidelined since England’s 0-0 draw with Ghana in Boston, having picked up a hamstring strain during that game.

The Chelsea defender is now expected to miss England’s final training session ahead of the fixture, with the match barely 24 hours away.

Thomas Tuchel had previously expressed optimism that James could prove his fitness in time, but that prospect now appears increasingly unlikely.

The Times report that James is simply not yet fit enough to rejoin his team-mates in training ahead of the high-stakes knockout encounter.

Whether Tuchel will take a gamble on James given the sheer magnitude of a do-or-die World Cup knockout game remains very much to be seen.

There is better news elsewhere in the England camp, with Jarell Quansah expected to return to training after rolling his ankle against Panama in New Jersey.

Quansah had stepped in at right-back to cover for the injured James before picking up his own problem and limping off during that match.

Both James and Quansah were absent from England’s 2-1 Round of 32 victory over DR Congo in Atlanta, leaving Tuchel short of options at full-back.

Djed Spence deputised at right-back during Wednesday’s win, with Declan Rice subsequently filling in after the Tottenham man was withdrawn by Tuchel.

Trevoh Chalobah was also brought into the squad to offer defensive cover after Tino Livramento was forced out of the tournament through injury.

Tuchel chose a central defensive option in Chalobah rather than recruiting another full-back, a decision that drew scrutiny from some quarters.

The German coach was also forced to defend his earlier squad selection choices after the injury to James compounded England’s defensive difficulties.

“No-one could see that coming,” Tuchel said, addressing the situation directly when questioned by reporters about the mounting injury concerns.

“Reece was in good shape and felt very good, so it’s a bit unlucky but Ezri Konsa played in the position for us on a high level. We have still no problem.”

Tuchel’s decision to leave Real Madrid star Trent Alexander-Arnold out of the squad has continued to draw considerable controversy throughout the tournament.

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