Chelsea captain James ended the 2025/26 domestic season with his most consistent run of form for the Blues in 18 months with the defender determined to leave behind an injury-dominated year.
He completed 90 minutes in England's first two group stage games, but then missed the 2-0 win over Panama due to a hamstring issue, and he remains sidelned for the Round of 32 showdown against DR Congo.
His absence saw Jarrell Quansah drafted in to cover a right-back against Panama, but Djed Spence could get the nod for the first knockout tie in Atlanta.
James' latest injury comes after fellow right-back Tino Livramento pulled out of the squad injured just before the World Cup kick-off and Rooney believes the situation could have been managed far better by Tuchel.
"I'm not surprised Reece James has got injured. This was my concern with the squad he picked.
"The defence was always a big worry for me, more so than Cole Palmer and Phil Foden not going. As a manager, you do like certain players, and you're loyal to them, you can see that with John Stones.
"He also doesn't really seem to like Trent Alexander-Arnold. Reece James is a good player, but we knew before the tournament that we couldn't rely on him.
"That's not a criticism of Reece James. It's the issue that physically, he can't do it."