Guehi doubtful for Norway clash with hamstring strain
Short overview
England defender Marc Guehi is a doubt for the World Cup quarter-final against Norway due to a hamstring strain. Declan Rice has also missed training due to illness, while Reece James has returned to full training.
England defender Marc Guehi is managing a slight hamstring injury and could miss the World Cup quarter-final against Norway. The Manchester City centre-back complained of a muscle issue following England's win over Mexico at the Azteca Stadium. Initially, it was hoped that the defender was simply carrying muscular fatigue and would be fit for the game against Norway on Saturday. However, it is understood that Guehi has a hamstring strain.
It now remains to be seen whether Guehi can train with the squad on Friday. If he cannot, there will be major doubt over his inclusion against Norway. The issue is not viewed as serious, but with seven-goal Erling Haaland to cope with, England head coach Thomas Tuchel can hardly afford to take fitness risks with defenders.
Midfielder also sidelined
England midfielder Declan Rice is understood to have missed a second successive day of training because of a sickness bug. Rice has been suffering with a neural issue affecting his hamstring and lower back, and it has been exacerbated by illness. England have taken steps to ensure the bug does not spread within the squad.
James returns to training
In better news for Tuchel, first-choice right-back Reece James has returned to full training for the first time since suffering a hamstring injury in the goalless draw with Ghana. The right-back did not complete the entire session, but James is expected to be available to face Norway this weekend, providing he feels no ill effects from Thursday's session. Tuchel and his staff will need to decide whether James is fit to start or if he should feature among the substitutes.
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