Reece James is a doubt for England's World Cup quarter-final against Norway in Miami on Saturday after he was once again unable to train with the squad on Wednesday. The right-back has been unavailable since he injured a hamstring in England's second group game, the 0-0 draw against Ghana in Boston. Thomas Tuchel knew he would be without him for at least two games — and most likely a potential last-16 match, as well, which is what happened. James played no part in the epic victory against Mexico at the Estadio Azteca on Sunday.
England's right-back position has been a persistent concern throughout the tournament. With James sidelined, Tuchel has had to rely on other options, but none have fully settled the role. The injury adds to a long history of fitness issues for the Chelsea defender, who has struggled with various problems over recent seasons. His absence leaves a significant gap in England's defensive setup ahead of a crucial knockout fixture.
Declan Rice and Marc Guéhi also trained individually on Wednesday, raising further concerns about England's fitness levels. Rice, a key midfielder, has been an ever-present figure for the Three Lions, while Guéhi has emerged as a reliable centre-back option. Their individual sessions suggest they are managing minor issues, but both are expected to be available for the quarter-final. The squad will hope that no further setbacks emerge before Saturday's match.
Norway's preparations have been far from straightforward ahead of the quarter-final at Miami Stadium. The Norwegian squad has faced internal issues, with players reportedly submitting a complaint over conditions. While the exact nature of the complaint has not been disclosed, it adds an element of uncertainty to their camp. England will be wary of a motivated Norwegian side that has already exceeded expectations by reaching the last eight.
The winner of Saturday's match will face either Argentina or another opponent in the semi-finals, depending on the bracket. Argentina have already stoked tensions with England by chanting about the Falklands after their own dramatic comeback victory earlier in the tournament. Both teams are on the same side of the knockout bracket, and a potential semi-final showdown between England and Argentina would add extra spice to an already intense World Cup campaign.
England's injury woes are not limited to right-back. Jarell Quansah is suspended for the quarter-final, and several other England players are at risk of missing a potential semi-final if they pick up another yellow card. The disciplinary situation adds another layer of complexity for Tuchel as he prepares his team for a high-stakes encounter. The manager will need to balance caution with aggression, ensuring his players avoid unnecessary bookings while still competing fiercely.
The Three Lions have shown resilience throughout the tournament, grinding out results despite key absences. Their victory against Mexico in the last 16 was a testament to the squad's depth and determination. However, facing a well-organised Norwegian side in the quarter-finals will require a disciplined performance. Norway have impressed defensively and possess attacking threats that could punish any lapses in concentration.
Tuchel will likely provide a further update on James's condition in the coming days. The defender's availability could hinge on late fitness tests, but the signs are not encouraging. If James is ruled out, England will have to rely on alternative options such as Kyle Walker-Peters or Trent Alexander-Arnold, both of whom have experience but lack the same defensive solidity that James offers when fully fit.
England's World Cup campaign has been marked by a mix of solid defending and occasional struggles in attack. The team has kept clean sheets in several matches but has also failed to score in the draw against Ghana. The quarter-final against Norway represents a significant test of their credentials. With injuries mounting and suspensions looming, Tuchel will need to make shrewd tactical decisions to keep England's World Cup dream alive.
