England's World Cup quarter-final against Norway on Saturday faces potential delays as severe thunderstorms and heavy rain are forecast in Miami, adding to Thomas Tuchel's mounting selection concerns. The match, due to kick off at 10pm BST (5pm local time), could be disrupted by lightning strikes within eight miles of the stadium, which under FIFA regulations would trigger temporary stoppages to safeguard players and spectators.
The threat of weather chaos comes after a dramatic 3-2 victory over Mexico in the last-16, a match that was itself delayed by an hour due to thunderstorms in Mexico City. That win came at a cost: midfielder Jordan Henderson is ruled out of the remainder of the tournament after suffering a wrist or arm injury while celebrating, stumbling over advertising hoardings. "It feels like it might be [his World Cup over], to be honest," Mirror Football writer John Cross said. "What an absolute hammer blow."
“England face weather delays and injuries as James returns but Henderson is out for Norway quarter-final.”
Tuchel will also be without right-back Jarell Quansah, whose red card in the Mexico match means suspension for the quarter-final. The manager's right-back crisis has seen six different players deployed there over five matches, including Ezri Konsa, who finished the Mexico game in that position after Quansah's 54th-minute dismissal.
But there is a boost: Reece James is expected to be available. The 26-year-old Chelsea captain has missed the last three matches with a hamstring injury suffered in the second group game against Ghana, but Tuchel hopes he can return to full training this week. James is recognised as England's first-choice right-back, and his availability would come as welcome news with Konsa and Djed Spence remaining as options.
England now head to Miami to face Norway, needing to stop Erling Haaland, while Tuchel must decide whether to risk James or rely on Konsa in a reshaped defence. The storm clouds gathering over the stadium are not just meteorological.