Three England players sat out of training on Wednesday ahead of Saturday's World Cup quarter-final against Norway. The Three Lions are preparing at their base in Kansas City's Swope Soccer Village for the match in Miami. Thomas Tuchel is monitoring fitness issues ahead of the clash.
Henderson ruled out, others managing issues
Jordan Henderson is already ruled out of the match and the rest of the tournament after fracturing his left forearm while celebrating the last-16 win over Mexico. The Brentford midfielder has undergone surgery but remains with the squad.
Less serious but still concerning are the issues affecting Reece James, Declan Rice and Marc Guehi, all of whom missed training on Wednesday. According to The Sun, Rice and Guehi are expected to be fit for Saturday, managing ongoing complaints.
Rice and Guehi likely to start
Rice has been dealing with a hamstring problem for months but has played through it for club and country. He was rested for the final group game against Panama but has started all four other World Cup matches. Tuchel expects him to start in midfield unless his condition worsens during training this week.
Guehi is reportedly experiencing 'muscle fatigue' but is also expected to start, likely partnering Ezri Konsa at centre-back in Miami.
James a doubt for quarter-final
James is the only serious uncertainty ahead of the quarter-finals. The Chelsea captain has been recovering from a hamstring injury picked up in the group stage. He started England's first two games but has not played since the goalless draw with Ghana. Tuchel hinted before the Mexico win that James was nearing a return, and there is hope he will be fit enough for the squad, though a starting place seems unlikely.
With Jarell Quansah suspended after his red card in the last round, Djed Spence appears the likeliest option at right-back against Norway, as he was against DR Congo in the last 32.
