Reece James remains a significant doubt for England’s World Cup quarter-final against Norway after following an individual training programme away from the main squad on Wednesday. The right-back has not played since suffering a hamstring injury during the second group game against Ghana in Boston, and his continued absence leaves manager Thomas Tuchel facing a selection headache at full-back.
England face Norway in Miami on Saturday with a semi-final place at stake. Tuchel’s problems in defence have intensified after Jarell Quansah, who deputised at right-back during the dramatic victory over Mexico at the Estadio Azteca, received a red card in that match and is suspended for the last-eight tie.
While James’s situation remains uncertain, there is greater optimism regarding Declan Rice and Marc Guéhi despite both training individually on Wednesday. Rice has been managing nerve pain in a hamstring since Christmas and sat out the final group game against Panama, though he maintains he can play through the discomfort. Guéhi’s absence from the main session was put down to muscle fatigue rather than a serious concern.
Jordan Henderson has rejoined the squad in Kansas City following surgery on the arm fracture he sustained in a fall after the Mexico match. Although the midfielder is widely presumed to have played his last minutes at the tournament, teammate Morgan Rogers indicated the group had not given up hope of his involvement. Rogers described Henderson’s leadership as “the heartbeat of the group” and suggested the former Liverpool captain was determined to keep his tournament alive.
Norway eyeing another upset
Norway arrive in Miami buoyed by their stylish defeat of Brazil in the previous round. Captain Martin Ødegaard acknowledged England present a “massive test” but pointed to the Brazil result as proof that “anything can happen in football.” Both Ødegaard and head coach Ståle Solbakken dismissed rumours of sickness within the camp, attributing minor throat irritation to air-conditioning rather than a virus that would threaten Saturday’s preparations.
Rogers also warned that Jude Bellingham, who has been instrumental in England’s campaign, is capable of reaching even higher levels. The Aston Villa forward noted that at 23, the midfielder’s prime years remain ahead of him. “I’m not surprised” by his World Cup displays, Rogers said, emphasising that Bellingham has repeatedly stood up in key moments. Rogers added that England’s fixed base in Kansas City has provided crucial stability throughout the tournament compared to Norway’s itinerant approach.