Reece James returns to training and could start England's World Cup quarter-final against Norway

Reece James is in contention to start England’s World Cup 2026 quarter-final against Norway in Miami on Saturday after returning to full training on Thursday, according to BBC Sport — his first session since sustaining a hamstring injury against Ghana in the group stage.

The Chelsea right-back played the full 90 minutes of England’s opening two fixtures against Croatia and Ghana before the injury forced him to miss the subsequent three matches. His absence has left head coach Thomas Tuchel short of options at right-back at a critical stage of the tournament.

James did not complete the entire Thursday session, but the England camp is said to be optimistic that the 26-year-old will be included in the squad for the quarter-final, provided he suffers no setbacks in the following 36 hours.

Tuchel’s selection headache has been compounded by the news that Jarell Quansah’s suspension — earned via a red card in the last-16 win over Mexico — has been extended to two games. Djed Spence deputised at right-back in the last-32 victory over DR Congo, but the manager was visibly frustrated with his performance. Ezri Konsa and Trevoh Chalobah are also available as cover.

The stakes make James’s potential return all the more significant. Norway’s Antonio Nusa is expected to start on the left wing, posing a direct threat down England’s right flank, and Erling Haaland leads the attack.

Injuries have been a persistent obstacle throughout James’s international career, limiting him to just 26 caps since his debut in October 2020. A fit James would represent a considerable upgrade for Tuchel as England bid to reach the World Cup semi-finals for only the fourth time in their history.

Should England defeat Norway, they would face the winner of Argentina versus Switzerland in Atlanta the following Wednesday.