England defender Marc Guehi is doubtful for the FIFA World Cup 2026 quarterfinal against Norway with a hamstring injury, while Declan Rice is also racing to recover from illness ahead of Saturday’s clash.
England defender Guehi doubtful for Norway game/ Credit: Marc Guehi/X
England face an anxious wait over the fitness of defender Marc Guehi ahead of Saturday’s FIFA World Cup 2026 quarterfinal against Norway, while midfielder Declan Rice is also racing against time to recover from illness.
Guehi picked up a minor hamstring injury during England’s dramatic 3-2 victory over Mexico in the Round of 16 and will undergo a fitness assessment on Friday to determine his availability for the last-eight clash.
Advertisement
The Crystal Palace defender missed Wednesday’s training session alongside Rice, with both players instead following individual recovery programmes, according to the BBC.
Advertisement
If Guehi is unable to rejoin full training on Friday, his participation against Norway will be in serious doubt.
Rice, meanwhile, has missed two consecutive training sessions after being struck by a sickness bug, leaving manager Thomas Tuchel hoping one of his key midfielders recovers in time.
There was some positive news for England as Reece James returned to training on Thursday after recovering from the hamstring injury that ruled him out of the Round-of-16 victory over Mexico.
However, Tuchel continues to face a selection dilemma in defence following Jarell Quansah’s red card against Mexico. The Bayer Leverkusen defender has been suspended for two matches, further reducing England’s options at the back.
England will be particularly wary of Norway striker Erling Haaland, who has already scored seven goals at the tournament and poses the biggest attacking threat in Saturday’s quarterfinal.
Veteran midfielder Jordan Henderson has rejoined the England camp after undergoing successful surgery on the wrist injury he suffered while celebrating England’s dramatic win over Mexico.
England Football confirmed Henderson is recovering with the squad at the team hotel after the operation.
With a place in the World Cup semifinals at stake, England will take on Norway at the Miami Stadium, with the winners advancing to face either Argentina or Switzerland in the last four.
Advertisement
