England’s starting lineup vs Norway ‘leaked’ as Thomas Tuchel picks his final right-back choice
England manager Thomas Tuchel is ready to start Ezri Konsa at right-back for the World Cup quarter-final against Norway, reports say.
There have been worries about the right-back spot since Reece James got a hamstring injury in the group stage. Djed Spence, Jarell Quansah, and Konsa have all taken his place in the last three games.
Of those, only Spence is a natural full-back. He played right-back in England’s 2-1 win over DR Congo but had a tough time in Atlanta. Quansah came on for the 3-2 win over Mexico but got a straight red card early in the second half. FIFA then extended his ban to two matches, so he’ll miss the semi-final if England beats Norway.
That’s why Konsa filled in at right-back in the final minutes as England held their lead, and Tuchel plans to start him against Norway.
David Ornstein from The Athletic also says John Stones is expected to play at centre-back alongside Marc Guehi after Stones was cleared to play. Noni Madueke should replace Bukayo Saka on the right wing.
Good news is Declan Rice is fit to start after a stomach bug, but the team is being careful with James, who only did a light training session on Friday.
Saka has had an Achilles problem and didn’t play much in the group stage, but he told reporters he feels great and ready for the Norway game. He started against Mexico but was taken off for Stones after Quansah’s red card to help strengthen England’s defense.
It looks like Madueke will get the nod at Miami’s Hard Rock Stadium, where it’s expected to be very hot, around 33 degrees Celsius.
Here’s the expected England lineup vs Norway: Jordan Pickford; Ezri Konsa, John Stones, Marc Guehi, Nico O’Reilly; Declan Rice, Elliot Anderson; Noni Madueke, Jude Bellingham, Anthony Gordon; Harry Kane (captain).
Quansah’s red card came from a high tackle on Mexico’s Jesus Gallardo. He got the ball first but hit his opponent’s shin high after. The red card was for “serious foul play,” the same reason Folarin Balogun was sent off earlier but had his ban suspended.
Tuchel said before the Norway game that FIFA hasn’t explained why Quansah’s ban was extended. Quansah trained with the team on Friday but won’t be available until the final if England gets that far.
Also, Jude Bellingham, Declan Rice, Marc Guehi, and Nico O’Reilly each have one yellow card and could miss the semi-finals if they get another. Jordan Henderson is on a yellow card too but is out of the tournament after breaking his wrist celebrating the Mexico win.