Key Takeaways:
- Marc Guehi will undergo fitness tests due to a hamstring strain before Saturday’s quarter-final against Norway
- Declan Rice missed training for a second consecutive day as a sickness bug exacerbates his existing hamstring and back issue
- Reece James returned to full training on Thursday and is vying for selection, while right-back options remain limited due to injury and suspension
Injury Updates and Squad Developments
England defender Marc Guehi, who has featured in all five World Cup matches so far, is now a doubt for Saturday’s quarter-final with Norway. The centre-back picked up a hamstring strain during the 3-2 win over Mexico in the last 16 at the Azteca Stadium. The injury is currently regarded as a minor issue, but with Englands’ need to contain seven-goal striker Erling Haaland, head coach Thomas Tuchel faces a major decision over Guehi’s fitness.
Initial hopes were that Guehi was dealing only with muscular fatigue and would be available, but scans have revealed a strain. He is keen to prove he can take part and is remaining positive, though if he cannot participate in training with the squad on Friday, his place in the side against Norway is at serious risk.
๐จ๐จ| JUST IN: England face a double injury scare ahead of their World Cup quarter-final vs Norway.
Guehi (hamstring) and Rice (illness) both ๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐. ๐ค๐ด๓ ง๓ ข๓ ฅ๓ ฎ๓ ง๓ ฟ
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Midfield Worries for England
Declan Rice, the central midfielder, was absent from training for a second straight day due to a sickness bug. Rice had already been managing a neural issue affecting his hamstring and lower back, and his condition has deteriorated with the illness. England have implemented protocols designed to limit the spread of the virus among the squad.
Reece James Returns, Defensive Depth Tested
In more encouraging news, right-back Reece James made a return to full training on Thursday. This marks his first full session since suffering a hamstring injury in the goalless draw against Ghana. Although James did not complete the entire session, he is in contention to play against Norway if he does not encounter any further physical issues.
England are especially stretched for defensive options on the right side. Chelsea’s Reece James was expected to be fit in time to challenge for selection against Norway. However, the situation remains complicated: Jarell Quansah, who deputised at right-back against Mexico, is suspended for two matches following his red card in the last-16 tie. Meanwhile, Newcastleโs Tino Livramento was ruled out with a calf injury before the tournament even began, and Chelsea centre-back Trevoh Chalobah received a call-up as Livramento’s replacement. Djed Spence had become the only recognised natural right-back available for the quarter-final. If Guehi is not declared fit, Tuchel will have to select from John Stones, Dan Burn, and Chalobah at centre-back.
Versatility in Defence: Konsa’s Adaptability
Aston Villa centre-back Ezri Konsa, capable of covering the right-back role, shared his experience of adapting to a new position during the victory over Mexico:
“With the heat and everything and having to change positions, going to right wing-back with a man down, it’s not easy,” he said.
“You have to tuck in and then, when the ball gets switched, you’ve got to run out and try and stop crosses.
“And I think the first 10 minutes mentally was tough because I was feeling it a little bit, but I had to find a switch and overcome it.”
Konsa praised Stones who he said “kept pushing me”.
“He even asked to swap positions,” Konsa added.
“But I told him: ‘No, don’t worry, it’s fine.'”
“So yeah, I had to find a switch. And thankfully I managed to find it just in time.
“Super proud of the boys and what we managed to achieve that night.
“I’ll always play wherever the manager wants me to play. As long as I’m on that pitch and helping the team, I’m happy no matter where I’m playing.”
