England’s World Cup quarter-final preparations have been thrown into disarray after Marc Guehi and Declan Rice both emerged as major fitness doubts for Saturday’s clash with Norway.
Guehi has missed training this week nursing a sore hamstring following the dramatic win over Mexico, while Rice — who has been battling a hamstring and lower back issue — has now been isolated from the squad with illness amid fears a bug could spread. The influential Arsenal midfielder’s sickness has exacerbated his existing problems, leaving Thomas Tuchel with a selection headache on the eve of the last-eight tie.
“Guehi and Rice doubts for Norway quarter-final; England's defence hit by injuries and illness.”
Jarell Quansah has already been ruled out after receiving a two-match ban for his red card in the Mexico game, further depleting Tuchel’s defensive options. England are due to train again late on Friday in Miami, with the manager facing the prospect of a remodelled backline against a Norwegian side riding a wave of positivity.
Norway knocked out Brazil in their previous round and boast Erling Haaland in red-hot form. The striker has declared the pressure firmly on Tuchel’s team, and will fancy his chances of exploiting any defensive fragility.
For England fans heading to the pub to watch the 10pm kick-off, the Sun reports that several chains are offering free drinks via their apps. Nicholson’s is giving a free drink of choice when punters register for its rewards scheme, while the MiXR app offers a free welcome drink at venues including Slug & Lettuce and Be At One. O’Neill’s also provides a free drink for new reward account holders. Dusk users can claim a free drink every day, though the app cannot be used at any pub.
With Tuchel’s squad already stretched, the fitness of Guehi and Rice will be monitored until the last moment. The match in Miami could define England’s tournament — but first, they must contain Haaland without two of their most reliable performers.
