England are monitoring the fitness of three senior players ahead of Saturday’s 2026 FIFA World Cup quarter-final against Norway after midfielder Declan Rice, defender Marc Guéhi and full-back Reece James were all absent from Wednesday’s training session.
The trio did not join the main group during the workout at Swope Soccer Village, instead following individual training programmes as they continued to manage ongoing fitness issues.
Despite missing the session, Rice is still expected to be available for England’s last-eight meeting in Miami. The midfielder has reportedly been managing a hamstring problem since Christmas but remains on course to feature in one of England’s biggest matches of the tournament.
Guéhi also trained away from the rest of the squad as he continues to deal with muscle fatigue. However, the centre-back is also expected to be fit enough to start and partner Ezri Konsa in central defence.
The biggest concern surrounds Reece James, who has not featured in England’s previous three matches because of a hamstring injury. The Chelsea defender remains doubtful for the quarter-final and is attempting to recover in time to be considered for selection against Norway.
England’s defensive options have already been reduced following Jarell Quansah’s suspension. The defender is unavailable after being sent off during England’s dramatic 3-2 victory over Mexico in the Round of 16.
If James is unable to recover in time, Djed Spence is expected to fill the right-back position for the knockout tie.
England have also continued to receive encouragement from the presence of experienced midfielder Jordan Henderson, despite the veteran being ruled out for the rest of the competition.
Henderson recently underwent surgery after breaking his arm while celebrating England’s victory over Mexico. Although he has now returned to the team’s hotel in Kansas City, he was not involved in Wednesday’s training session.
Manager Thomas Tuchel has nevertheless decided to keep Henderson with the squad for the remainder of the tournament. The England coach believes the midfielder’s leadership and experience continue to provide an important influence within the group, even though he is no longer available for selection.
Wednesday’s session marked England’s return to training after their dramatic victory over Mexico. The squad had been given two days away from football following the Round of 16 success, allowing players to spend time with their families before regrouping to begin preparations for the quarter-final.
Attention has now shifted fully towards Saturday’s meeting with Norway, with England hoping to secure a place in the semi-finals of the expanded 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The coaching staff will continue assessing the condition of Rice, Guéhi and James over the coming days before making final decisions on the starting line-up.
England are scheduled to train again on Thursday before travelling to Miami on Friday, where they will complete their final preparations for the quarter-final.
With Quansah suspended, James still battling injury and Henderson unavailable, Tuchel faces several selection decisions as England attempt to have as many key players fit as possible for the crucial knockout fixture. Rice and Guéhi are both expected to be available despite missing Wednesday’s group session, while James’ availability is likely to remain uncertain until closer to kick-off.
