A sickness bug has swept through England’s World Cup camp, leaving Declan Rice isolated from his teammates and casting doubt on his involvement in Saturday’s quarter-final against Norway. The Arsenal midfielder missed a second successive day of training on Thursday, having already been nursing a neural issue affecting his hamstring and lower back, which has been exacerbated by illness. England have taken steps to ensure the bug does not spread, but with seven-goal Erling Haaland to contain, head coach Thomas Tuchel can hardly afford to lose his midfield lynchpin.
Rice is not the only concern. Centre-back Marc Guehi, a Manchester City defender, is managing a hamstring strain sustained during England’s 3–2 victory over Mexico in the last 16 at the Azteca Stadium. Initially thought to be muscular fatigue, it is now understood to be a strain. Guehi, who has appeared in all five of England’s games at the tournament, is desperate to prove his fitness and remains optimistic he can be involved. But if he does not train with the squad on Friday, there will be major doubt over his inclusion. John Stones, Dan Burn and Trevoh Chalobah are all available at centre-back should Guehi miss out.
“Declan Rice isolated with sickness, Guehi hamstring strain, and James injury doubts ahead of Norway quarter-final.”
The injury issues do not end there. Right-back Reece James returned to training on Thursday for the first time since sustaining a hamstring injury during the goalless draw with Ghana. He did not complete all of the session but is expected to be available to face Norway provided he feels no ill effects. His return is a welcome boost for Tuchel, whose options in that position have been decimated: Jarell Quansah, who started against Mexico, is suspended for two games after his red card; Tino Livramento injured his calf before the tournament; and natural right-back Djed Spence was the only fit specialist remaining before James’s recovery.
Norway, who dumped out Brazil in the last 16, pose a significant threat, particularly through Haaland, who is rivalling Harry Kane for the World Cup Golden Boot. The Athletic’s Ezri Konsa, who filled in at right-back against Mexico, reflected on the challenge: “With the heat and everything and having to change positions, going to right wing-back with a man down, it’s not easy. You have to tuck in and then, when the ball gets…”
If England advance, they face a potentially mouthwatering clash against old rivals Argentina, who play Switzerland hours before England’s game. But first Tuchel must navigate a selection crisis that could determine whether the Three Lions reach the semi-finals or fall to a Scandinavian upset.