Why isn’t Declan Rice playing for England today against Panama in the World Cup?
The English midfielder was left out of England’s final group game.
England take on Panama in the final round of games in the group stage of the 2026 World Cup. Ahead of kick-off, England manager Thomas Tuchel said that Premier League champion Declan Rice was going to be “available” to play, despite having taken a knock in the previous match against Ghana.
Now, ahead of time, it has been confirmed that the England vice-captain will not start in the team chosen to take on Thomas Christiansen’s side. Rice missed England’s training session on Thursday and, despite participating the day after, the decision has been made to rest him ahead of the Round of 32.
Added to Rice’s absence is that of first-choice right-back Reece James, who has suffered that will rule him out of England’s next two matches. “Reecey has a minor hamstring injury. He was not able to train in the last two days and is now on an accelerated rehabilitation programme,” Tuchel revealed. “Take it game by game. But we strongly believe he will be available for us in the tournament… We have hopes for the next match. Can be a tight one. But he’s definitely out tomorrow.”
England face Panama on Saturday at New York New Jersey Stadium, with top spot in Group L still up for grabs. Follow the action with our very own Roddy, who is primed and ready to walk us all through the game as it unfolds.
🗣️ "Nobody could see it coming, Reece was in good shape."
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) June 27, 2026
Thomas Tuchel reacts to the news Reece James' World Cup could be over. pic.twitter.com/vla4iUq42b
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