England could be far from full strength for their 2026 World Cup clash against Norway with two of their key players serious doubts about taking part.
The Three Lions, who are looking to end their 60-year trophy drought, have blown hot and cold in their run to the last eight.
Thomas Tuchel's side opened up their campaign with an impressive 4-2 victory over Croatia, before coming back down to earth with a 0-0 draw against Ghana. They then beat Panama 2-0 to reach the knockout stages.
England survived a real scare in the last 32 as they scored two late goals to beat DR Congo 2-1, before producing a magnificent display to beat Mexico at the Azteca Stadium to reach the quarter-finals.
A tough tie against Erling Haaland's Norway awaits, with the match taking place at Miami Stadium on Saturday, July 11. Confidence will be high in the England camp following their morale-boosting victory over Mexico.
However, England could be without two of their star players for the game.
Two Key England Players a Doubt For Norway Match
Thomas TuchelREUTERS/Paul Childs
Declan Rice has been integral for England this summer. He has started four of England's five matches and produced some superb displays in those games.
It's been well known that the Arsenal midfielder has been suffering from a hamstring injury and also a lower back problem, with Thomas Tuchel saying before the match against DR Congo that he was in 'terrible pain.'
However, to make matters worse, it has now emerged that he has come down with a sickness bug. According to the BBC, this bug has forced Rice to miss training for the past two days. It is believed the bug has exacerbated his existing injuries.
England have taken measures to ensure that the sickness bug does not spread, with Rice isolating away from the rest of the squad.
Norway's camp were also reportedly hit with a sickness bug ahead of the match against England, but their doctor has since played down those reports.
Marc Guehi is also a 'serious doubt', according to Sky Sports. The Manchester City defender was named on the bench for England's opening match against Croatia but has since started and played the full game in each of their last four matches.
He is believed to have picked up a hamstring injury against Mexico, though, which forced him to miss training on Thursday. Time is running out for the 25-year-old to prove his fitness with the match now just a day away.
Sky add that Dan Burn is pushing to come into the England defence, should Guehi be unavailable. The Newcastle defender was terrific after coming on as a 75th minute substitute against Mexico. John Stones and Trevoh Chalobah are also options to start at centre-back alongside Ezri Konsa for Tuchel.
Reece James could also return for the game against Norway. BBC Sport reported earlier this week that the Chelsea defender was expected to return to training and be in contention.
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Alan Shearer Expects Djed Spence To Start at Right-Back
Djed Spence Face Mask England World Cup 2026IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters/Brett Davis
Djed Spence has been crticisied for some of his displays throughout the tournament, but he performed well after coming on as a late substitute against Mexico. Alan Shearer believes he should start at right-back over Reece James, even if the Chelsea captain is available.
He said, per the Mirror: "I don't know the situation with Reece James’ hamstring, but I think it would be extremely harsh on Djed Spence if he didn't start. I mean, he started left back, he started right back, he then went to left back when he brought him on the other evening and I thought he was outstanding when he came on the other day, as was Dan Burn, as was John Stones.
"But yeah, I mean, it's amazing, isn't it, we find ourselves before every single game discussing who's going to be in the right back position. But my guess would be it would be Djed Spence at right back."