England faces a big injury setback just days before the Norway game, with an important player likely to miss out.
England have hit a bit of a snag with a new injury worry ahead of their World Cup quarter-final against Norway. After a tough 3-2 win over Mexico on Sunday, the Three Lions are gearing up to face Erling Haaland and Norway in Miami on Saturday.
Everyone gave their all in that historic win at the Azteca Stadium, but now reports say there’s a fresh injury concern for coach Thomas Tuchel before the big match at Hard Rock Stadium. Sami Mokbel from the BBC says defender Marc Guehi is dealing with a hamstring issue that might keep him out of the game.
Guehi played the full 90 minutes against Mexico—that’s the fourth time he’s done so in the tournament, plus a short appearance in the opening game versus Croatia. But now he’s got a “slight hamstring strain.” He recently switched to individual training instead of joining the team, and while it was hoped to be just muscle tiredness, he’ll be checked out on Friday. Missing the final training session makes it uncertain if he’ll be ready for Norway.
The former Crystal Palace player hopes to play against his club teammate Haaland, who’s scored seven goals in the tournament. If Guehi can’t go, John Stones, Dan Burn, or Nathaniel Chalobah might step in to partner Ezri Konsa in defense.
There’s also some concern about Declan Rice, who missed two days of training because of a sickness bug. The team is trying to prevent it from spreading. Rice has had some hamstring and lower back issues and admitted to feeling nerve pain after a tough season. He missed the group game against Panama but was back in the starting lineup for the knockout wins and is one of England’s key players.
On a brighter note, Reece James returned to full training and looks likely to be ready for the Norway match. James hasn’t played since hurting his hamstring in the 0-0 draw with Ghana and missed some full training sessions. He rejoined the main group on Thursday, didn’t finish the session, but should be available according to the BBC.
James’ comeback is a big help because England have had problems at right-back. Tino Livramento had to leave the tournament after calf surgery, and Djed Spence has been the only right-back fully fit and available throughout. Jarell Quansah filled in for two games but was sent off against Mexico after a VAR review. FIFA has confirmed he’s suspended for two games with no appeal, so England will be without him for both the quarter-final and the semi-final, if they make it that far.