Guehi's hamstring strain puts England centre-back in doubt for Norway quarter-final

Marc Guehi is a doubt for England’s World Cup 2026 quarter-final against Norway in Miami on Saturday after picking up a hamstring strain during the last-16 victory over Mexico, according to BBC Sport. The issue is not considered serious and Guehi is said to be optimistic about his chances of playing, but England’s medical team will assess him in training before Thomas Tuchel makes a decision.

Guehi has been one of England’s most consistent performers at the tournament, starting every minute of their past four matches alongside Ezri Konsa at centre-back. Only the Group L opener against Croatia — when John Stones was preferred — kept him out of the starting XI.

The timing is particularly awkward for Tuchel, who is already without Jarell Quansah for the Norway game after the defender was sent off against Mexico. First-choice right-back Reece James has also missed the past three matches through injury, though he is expected to be available on Saturday.

If Guehi cannot train today and is ruled out, Stones — who, like Guehi, is a Manchester City team-mate of Norway striker Erling Haaland — would be the most likely candidate to step in alongside Konsa.

There is an additional layer of complexity for Tuchel to consider: Guehi is one of four England players — along with midfielders Jude Bellingham and Declan Rice, and left-back Nico O’Reilly — who would be suspended for the semi-final if booked against Norway. Should Guehi be less than fully fit, the elevated risk of picking up a caution could further influence the manager’s thinking.

Guehi, who turns 26 on Sunday, has earned 34 caps for England and was among their standout performers during the run to the Euro 2024 final. Tuchel will be eager to have him available given the challenge posed by Haaland, but will not risk aggravating the injury with the semi-final potentially just days away.