Thomas Tuchel has endured a persistent right-back dilemma at the World Cup, but Reece James could return to ease the problem against Norway in the quarter-final on Saturday. James was first choice on the right of defence as England began their campaign against Croatia, but he only managed to start the first two games before succumbing to a hamstring problem.
England's right-back merry-go-round
In came Jarell Quansah for the third group game against Panama, but he injured an ankle and didn't complete the game. Djed Spence was the next to fill the role, starting against DR Congo in the last 32, but he did not impress and Declan Rice finished the match at right-back. England took on Mexico at the Azteca in the last 16 and Quansah returned from his ankle problem to start but was sent off for a rash challenge early in the second half. John Stones was brought on for Bukayo Saka shortly after and went in at centre-back, with Ezri Konsa switching to right-back, where Saka had been briefly filling in. In just five games, England have had six right-backs.
James' fitness status
The Telegraph reports that England hope James could be fit to play some part against Norway this weekend. Sky Sports has not been any more optimistic, reporting that the medical team is working hard on the Chelsea captain, but it is still 'touch and go' whether he will be able to feature. James has not trained with the rest of the squad since picking up his hamstring problem, although he did join in with the warm-up ahead of the Mexico clash. Tuchel had raised hopes over his fitness before the last 16 match, saying: 'Reece can maybe make it on the bench, but we need the last assessment from the doctors and medical opinion if this makes sense.'
Other options and Norway's threat
Quansah is banned for the clash with Norway and Spence is not fully fit but will be available to be involved. The Tottenham full-back was reportedly 'nursing an injury' and so could not start against Mexico, but did come off the bench late in the game. Konsa remains an option for Tuchel, with Stones able to come in alongside Marc Guehi in the middle of defence again. Norway's left winger Antonio Nusa has been first choice and scored a brilliant goal in the last 32 win over Ivory Coast. The 21-year-old may well start again on Saturday, but he was taken off at half-time in the last 16 win over Brazil, replaced by Benfica's Andreas Schjelderup. The 22-year-old made a good case to be in the starting XI as he provided assists for both of Erling Haaland's goals against the Brazilians.
