England head into their World Cup quarter-final against Norway as favourites, according to Norway boss Stale Solbakken, but the Three Lions have been handed a triple injury boost with Declan Rice, Marc Guehi and Reece James all training on Friday. Rice and Guehi had missed Wednesday's session, while James has missed the last three matches through injury. Their availability comes as a timely lift before Saturday's clash in Miami, where thunderstorms are forecast around kick-off. AccuWeather senior meteorologist Chad Merrill said there are likely to be storms from midday into the early afternoon, which could affect the 22:00 BST start.
Yet England's path to the semi-finals is also fraught with caution: four players are one booking away from being suspended for the last four. The identity of those on the tightrope has not been revealed, but it adds another layer of tension to a game already charged by the presence of Erling Haaland, who has scored seven goals in Norway's historic run. Norway knocked out five-time world champions Brazil in the last 16 and are playing in their first World Cup since 1998, their deepest run ever.
“England get triple injury boost as Rice, Guehi, James train; four players risk semi-final ban.”
Solbakken, the former Wolves boss, acknowledged England's quality but downplayed the notion of a personal duel between Haaland and England captain Harry Kane. "It's Norway against England," he said. "Kane is match-winner number one for England and Erling is match-winner number one for us. But you underestimate some of the other players if you think that's the whole theme." The Norwegian side is packed with Premier League talent, including Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard.
Solbakken also praised England's resilience after they battled past co-hosts Mexico 3-2 in the last 16 despite playing more than half an hour with 10 men following Jarell Quansah's red card. "They were better than Mexico," he said. "Mexico created very few chances." The winner of Saturday's quarter-final will face Argentina or Switzerland in Atlanta on Wednesday for a place in the 19 July final.