2026 World Cup: Rice, Guehi and James doubtful ahead of Norway quarter-final

England approach their 2026 World Cup quarter-final against Norway amid concerning uncertainty: Declan Rice, Marc Guehi and Reece James are all doubtful for Saturday’s match.

According to The Athletic, Rice, Arsenal’s midfield anchor, has contracted a virus and did not participate in collective training sessions on Wednesday and Thursday. The 27-year-old is also experiencing hamstring discomfort, which further complicates his medical assessment ahead of the match.

England’s defence is equally weakened. Marc Guehi, a cornerstone of the central defence, is troubled by a hamstring injury, and his availability against Erling Haaland and his Norwegian teammates remains uncertain. Reece James, the usual right-back in Thomas Tuchel’s setup, has not played a single minute since the group stage’s second match against Ghana, suffering from the same type of muscle injury.

These potential absences are compounded by the suspension of Jarell Qansah, sent off in the last-16 tie against Mexico. The Leverkusen defender was not an undisputed starter, however, and the Konsa-Guehi pairing had been the reference centre-back duo so far — provided Guehi is fit to play.

Harry Kane, who has scored six goals since the start of the competition, should be available to guide England towards a semi-final. The Three Lions have not won a major trophy since their sole World Cup title, won in 1966 against Germany, and have suffered two consecutive Euro final defeats in 2021 and 2024. The match against Norway takes place on Saturday at 23:00.