James’ Hamstring Woe Extends England Absence
Reece James is increasingly unlikely to feature in England’s World Cup 2026 quarter-final against Norway in Miami on Saturday after missing team training for a second consecutive day.
The right-back has been sidelined since sustaining a hamstring injury during the goalless group stage draw with Ghana in Boston. Manager Thomas Tuchel anticipated at least a two-game absence, and James duly missed the last-16 victory over Mexico at the Estadio Azteca. However, his continued individual programme away from the main group in Kansas City casts serious doubt over his availability for the last-eight tie.
“It was not a positive sign that he followed an individual programme away from the main group,” a team insider confirmed.
James had been targeting a return for the quarter-finals, but his failure to reintegrate into full training on Wednesday suggests he is losing his race against time.
Right-Back Headache for Tuchel
The potential absence of James compounds a major selection dilemma for Tuchel at right-back. Jarell Quansah, who started in the unfamiliar role against Mexico, was sent off and is suspended for the Norway clash. The Football Association is considering an appeal, but as things stand, England are without a recognized right-back.
Options appear limited. Central defender Marc Guéhi has previous experience in the position, but he also trained individually on Wednesday due to muscle fatigue, though his involvement is not in serious doubt. Declan Rice similarly worked away from the group while managing nerve pain in his hamstring, an issue he has been dealing with since December. Rice is expected to be available, having played through discomfort in the knockout rounds.
Mixed Fitness News Elsewhere
There was a boost for squad morale with the return of Jordan Henderson, who rejoined the camp after undergoing surgery on a fractured arm sustained in a freak fall after the Mexico game. The Brentford midfielder is out for the remainder of the tournament but is eager to offer leadership and experience from the sidelines.
Meanwhile, Norway have played down reports of illness in their squad. Captain Martin Ødegaard acknowledged some players had been affected by scratchy throats from air-conditioned environments but insisted there were no concerns ahead of Saturday’s match.
“It’s going to be a big test for us but I think Brazil was the same,” Ødegaard said, referencing Norway’s stunning last-16 upset. “We were the underdogs but, as you saw, anything can happen in football. We’re going to give it a good try, see what we can do and we are looking forward to it.”
Key Takeaways
- Reece James is a major doubt for England’s World Cup quarter-final against Norway after failing to train with the squad.
- The right-back position is a crisis for Thomas Tuchel, with Jarell Quansah suspended and few natural alternatives.
- Declan Rice and Marc Guéhi are expected to be fit despite managing minor issues, while Jordan Henderson returns in a non-playing role.
- Norway, buoyed by their victory over Brazil, are confident of causing another upset, with Martin Ødegaard leading the charge.
Quick Facts
Fixture: England vs Norway, FIFA World Cup 2026 quarter-final
Date: Saturday, 11 July 2026
Kick-off: TBC
Venue: Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens
TV/Stream: Broadcast details unconfirmed at this stage
