Reece James sparks new injury fears as England suffer World Cup heartbreak against Argentina

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The Independent

15 July 2026

England

will be left to sweat over potentially another injury setback for

Reece James

after the defender was brought off against

Argentina

in their

World Cup

semi-final.

James, who has missed much of the tournament with a hamstring problem, went down in the 80th minute and required treatment from the

team doctor.

It was not clear whether he was cramping up or had sustained a fresh setback, but as he made his way towards the byline to receive treatment,

Thomas Tuchel

was quick to make sure no risks were taken.

James was replaced by

Dan Burn

as Tuchel made sweeping defensive changes, having also brought on Nico O’Reilly and Ezri Konsa.

It was in a bid to see out their 1-0 advantage, one that came courtesy of

Anthony Gordon

’s 55th-minute opener.

However,

Enzo Fernandez

equalised with five minutes left of the 90 to play before

Lautaro Martinez

won it for the 2022 champions as Tuchel’s plan backfired spectacularly.

It now remains to be seen whether James will be fit for England’s third-place play-off against

France

on Saturday.

The

Chelsea

captain was yet to start a game since England’s tepid 0-0 draw with

Ghana

in the group-stage, sustaining a hamstring injury which kept him out for three matches.

He returned off the bench in the quarter-final against

Norway

and was deemed fit to in the last-four by Tuchel, but could not finish the match.

Tuchel will be expected to give an update on his injury status after full-time.

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