England received a timely triple injury boost on the eve of their World Cup quarter-final against Norway, with Declan Rice, Marc Guehi and Reece James all returning to training. The trio had been major concerns for manager Thomas Tuchel as the knockout rounds intensified, but their presence on the training pitch suggests the worst of England's defensive crisis may have passed.
Rice had been struck down with illness, while Guehi was nursing a hamstring concern that threatened to rule him out of Saturday's showdown. James, meanwhile, has been sidelined for England's last three World Cup outings with a hamstring problem, missing the stunning round-of-16 win over Mexico. His absence was compounded by injuries to right-back alternatives in the squad, but he was expected to return to fitness after training ahead of the Norway tie.
“Declan Rice, Marc Guehi and Reece James all trained ahead of England's World Cup quarter-final against Norway.”
The England camp will be relieved to have options after a tournament that has seen major injury sagas elsewhere. France's Kylian Mbappe was substituted as a precaution in the 78th minute of their 2-0 quarter-final win over Morocco after a knock from Issa Diop, with ice strapped to his ankle. However, Mbappe played down the issue: “I have a minor ankle injury, but I’m completely fine. Mateta was in a better position to play the remaining minutes.” France have five days until their semi-final against Spain or Belgium.
Belgium and Aston Villa midfielder Amadou Onana has been ruled out of the rest of the World Cup after suffering a knee injury in the last-16 win over USA. His knee buckled under him without contact, and he will also miss much of the upcoming season.
For England, the return of Rice, Guehi and James provides a significant lift ahead of a Norway side that eliminated Brazil. The quarter-final on Saturday will test whether Tuchel's defence can hold firm—but with his key players suddenly fit, the outlook has brightened.
