Rice, Guehi and James in fitness races as England sweat before Norway World Cup quarter-final

Thomas Tuchel is monitoring three key players ahead of England’s World Cup quarter-final against Norway, with Declan Rice, Marc Guehi and Reece James all facing fitness concerns that could reshape his starting XI.

Rice is currently isolating from the squad after contracting a sickness bug, having already been managing a muscular issue that dates back to the Premier League season with Arsenal. The midfielder missed two training sessions this week as a precaution against spreading illness to teammates, despite having played the full 90 minutes of England’s win over Mexico at the Azteca Stadium. Should he be ruled out, Kobbie Mainoo is the most likely candidate to step into the central midfield role alongside Elliot Anderson.

Guehi, who would be central to containing his Manchester City club-mate Erling Haaland, remains optimistic about his availability but faces a critical fitness test. If the centre-back does not train with the squad on Friday, his involvement at the weekend will be in serious doubt. John Stones, Dan Burn and Trevoh Chalobah are all available as cover at the back.

James, originally England’s first-choice right-back heading into the tournament, picked up a hamstring injury during the goalless draw with Ghana and did not complete Thursday’s full session. He could still be included in the squad provided he reports no further setbacks, with his return potentially easing pressure on a backline that has already been stretched. Jarell Quansah’s two-match ban, following his red card against Mexico, has added to Tuchel’s defensive headaches.

England enter the quarter-final as heavy favourites, but Norway arrive with momentum after eliminating Brazil in the last 16. The winners could face Argentina, who play Switzerland in the other quarter-final later the same day.