England have received a major boost ahead of their World Cup quarter-final against Norway, with Marc Guehi winning his race to be fit and John Stones set to return to the starting lineup.
Guehi had been a doubt after suffering a minor hamstring strain in the round of 16 win over Mexico, but the Manchester City defender is expected to be cleared to partner Stones in central defence. Stones, 32, will make his first start since the opening group game against Croatia, with Ezri Konsa shifting to right-back.
Declan Rice is also fit despite a sickness bug that limited his training, while Noni Madueke is poised to start ahead of Bukayo Saka on the right wing. Saka has been carefully managed throughout the tournament due to an Achilles tendinitis issue he has carried since March.
Manchester City connection faces Haaland test
The selection means an all-Manchester City central defence from last season – Stones left the club at the start of July – will go up against their former club teammate Erling Haaland. The Norway striker has scored seven goals at the World Cup, one more than England captain Harry Kane, setting up a tantalising subplot to this quarter-final clash.
"I would have loved to have arrived at the tournament 100% fit, but the team have managed me in the best way possible and I'm feeling great and ready to go," Saka said this week.
How to watch Norway vs England
The match kicks off at Miami Stadium. In the United Kingdom, viewers can watch live on BBC and ITV, with streaming available via BBC iPlayer and ITVX. For viewers outside the UK, check local listings – official broadcaster details for other territories have not yet been confirmed.
Reece James returns to the bench after recovering from a hamstring injury, while Djed Spence is also among the substitutes as England target a place in the semi-finals.
