England manager Thomas Tuchel has confirmed a major injury boost ahead of the World Cup quarter-final against Norway, with Declan Rice, Marc Guehi and Reece James all returning to training. The trio are now available for selection for the crucial match in Miami.
Rice overcomes hamstring and illness
Declan Rice has been struggling with a neural hamstring issue since the start of the year. He played through pain during the tournament, and after the win over DR Congo, Tuchel revealed the Arsenal midfielder had asked to be substituted due to 'terrible pain.' Rice returned to the starting lineup for the victory against Mexico at the Azteca on Monday but missed training later in the week due to illness. He was kept away from teammates to prevent the bug from spreading through the camp. However, he was back on the training pitch in Miami on Friday.
Guehi and James also return
Marc Guehi had been absent from training at England's base in Kansas City because of a hamstring issue, but he rejoined the squad for Friday's session. Reece James, Tuchel's first-choice right-back, has not played since suffering a hamstring injury during the group stage match against Ghana. The Chelsea captain missed the last three games but is now fit for selection.
'We had everyone available in training. That's the best news,' Tuchel said in his pre-match press conference.
Quansah suspended
Tuchel has a full squad to choose from except for Jarell Quansah, who was sent off in the 3-2 win over Mexico. FIFA confirmed this week that the Bayer Leverkusen star will serve a two-match suspension. Quansah received a straight red card after a VAR review early in the second half for a high challenge on Jesus Gallardo. While such offences typically carry a one-game ban, FIFA upgraded it to 'serious foul play,' resulting in a longer suspension.
England ready for Norway challenge
England overcame Mexico's ferocious home advantage to reach the last eight, where they face Norway and star striker Erling Haaland. 'I think we took a big step in our last match, but it was only a step,' Tuchel said. 'We're still hungry, we still have dreams and we still have a big goal to play for. The next step is to win the quarter-final. We left this match behind. We take the positive things and the belief with us, but everything that matters is ahead of us.'
The match is set to be a tough test for England, with Norway boasting a strong squad and Haaland in prolific form. Tuchel's side will rely on the returning players to bolster their chances of advancing to the semi-finals.
