Eddie Keogh - The FA/The FA via Getty Images

Thomas Tuchel, England Dealt Bad News Before FIFA World Cup

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Chris Phelps | Last updated Mar 16, 2026 1:34 PM ET

Thomas Tuchel and England have become one of the favorites to win the 2026 FIFA World Cup after winning all six of their qualifying matches in 2025 without conceding a single goal. Placed in Group L, England will open the group stage with a matchup against Luka Modric and Croatia on June 17, before facing Ghana and Panama.

The Three Lions advanced to the quarterfinals of the 2022 World Cup before being eliminated by Kylian Mbappe and France. But with the star power England has, including Bayern Munich striker Harry Kane , Real Madrid midfielder Jude Bellingham and Chelsea attacking midfielder Cole Palmer, the team has a real chance of advancing even further. However, ahead of the World Cup in the United States, Tuchel and England saw a key player go down with an injury.

England manager Thomas Tuchel looks on during an interview.Judit Cartiel / Stringer / Getty Images

Reece James has been with Chelsea FC since 2008, joining the club’s Cobham Academy as a youth player. The right back has remained with the Blues ever since, making his first senior appearance in 2018 at just 18 years old. James has since become a key player for Chelsea, even featuring in midfield at times, and helped the club win the Champions League in 2021 when Tuchel was the manager.

James has also been part of the England national team since 2020, becoming the starting right back under Tuchel while competing for the spot with Real Madrid right back Trent Alexander-Arnold. The problem for James, however, has been his ability to stay healthy during his time with Chelsea and England, as he has dealt with more than 20 separate injuries. Still, over the last year, James had enjoyed the healthiest stretch of his career.

But on Monday, it was revealed that James has suffered another hamstring injury, the 10th of his career, which is expected to leave him out for several weeks. The setback could leave Tuchel and England without their starting right back for the foreseeable future, including friendlies against Uruguay and Japan in late March. It could also put James’ World Cup status in jeopardy.

"⚠️ Reece James has suffered an hamstring injury, report @SJohnsonSport," Soccer reporter Fabrizio Romano wrote on X. "Chelsea captain expected to be out for several weeks and also miss England call for upcoming games."

⚠️ Reece James has suffered an hamstring injury, report @SJohnsonSport.

Chelsea captain expected to be out for several weeks and also miss England call for upcoming games. pic.twitter.com/V70HNWYdxx
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) March 16, 2026