England Await Fitness Updates on Guehi and Rice Ahead of Norway Clash
England are holding their breath over the fitness of centre‑back Marc Guehi as they prepare for Saturday’s World Cup quarter‑final against Norway. Guehi picked up a slight hamstring strain during the dramatic 3‑2 last‑16 victory over Mexico at the Azteca Stadium. Initial hopes that the issue was merely muscular fatigue have faded, and the defender will be assessed later today. Although the problem is not deemed serious, his availability hinges on whether he can train with the squad on Friday.
Manchester City’s Guehi is eager to prove his fitness, but missing Friday’s training session would cast serious doubt on his participation against a Norway side spearheaded by seven‑goal striker Erling Haaland.
Declan Rice Battles Illness and Pre‑Existing Neural Issue
Midfielder Declan Rice also remains a concern. He has missed training for a second consecutive day due to a sickness bug, which has compounded an existing neural problem affecting his hamstring and lower back. The England camp has introduced precautionary measures to stop the illness from spreading through the squad.
Reece James Returns to Training
On a more positive note, Chelsea right‑back Reece James resumed full training on Thursday for the first time since sustaining a hamstring injury in the goalless group‑stage draw with Ghana. Although he did not complete the entire session, James is expected to be fit for the Norway clash provided he experiences no adverse reaction.
Jarell Quansah Serves Two‑Match Ban
England’s defensive worries deepened after Bayer Leverkusen defender Jarell Quansah received a two‑match suspension following his red card against Mexico. The dismissal came in the 54th minute for a high challenge on Jesus Gallardo. FIFA’s disciplinary committee deemed the tackle serious foul play and added an extra match to the automatic one‑game ban.
The suspension rules Quansah out of the quarter‑final versus Norway and any potential semi‑final against Argentina or Switzerland. The 23‑year‑old would only become eligible again if England reach the World Cup final in New Jersey on 19 July.
FA Questions Video Review Process
The Football Association explored the possibility of an appeal, but tournament regulations provide no avenue to challenge the sanction. Nevertheless, the FA has strongly criticised the video review procedure, arguing that the referee viewed a still image and slow‑motion replays before seeing the challenge at normal speed on the pitchside monitor—a sequence it believes could have introduced “outcome bias.”
Match Official Appointed
French referee Clément Turpin has been assigned by FIFA to officiate Saturday’s quarter‑final. Turpin previously took charge of England’s 4‑2 victory over Croatia earlier in the tournament.
About the Author
