Tuchel warned it would be 'foolish' to risk injured Declan Rice against Norway

Thomas Tuchel has been warned it would be “foolish” to field Declan Rice against Norway on Saturday if the Arsenal midfielder is not fully fit, with the England boss facing a mounting injury headache ahead of the World Cup quarter-final.

Rice is a doubt for the last-eight clash after missing two days of training this week due to a sickness bug, which has also forced him into isolation from the rest of the squad to prevent the illness spreading. The concern runs deeper than a stomach complaint, however — Rice has been managing a hamstring problem since Christmas, and was spotted with an icepack on his left hamstring during the closing stages of England’s 2-1 win over DR Congo in the last 32.

Tuchel acknowledged after the 3-2 victory over Mexico last Sunday that Rice had played through “terrible pain” but completed the full 90 minutes. The Arsenal midfielder was central to the Gunners’ Premier League title success last season despite the ongoing issue, yet former England defender Stuart Pearce believes the World Cup context demands a more cautious approach.

“The only thing that might be a consideration to him [Tuchel] is the injury — a concern that’s been with him [Rice] for a few games,” Pearce said on talkSport. “Is that going to do him more damage and is he likely to break down? If there is a risk there, I think you’d be foolish as a manager to play him.”

Rice is not the only fitness worry in the England camp. Defender Marc Guehi, who is also carrying a slight hamstring injury, will be assessed on Friday to determine whether he can feature against Norway. The Manchester City centre-back is said to be optimistic about his chances of being involved.

There is better news at right-back, where Reece James returned to training on Thursday and is in contention for the quarter-final. His availability is particularly timely after Jarrel Quansah was handed a two-game ban following his red card against Mexico, leaving England short of natural options in that position.