England boss Thomas Tuchel is having to keep tabs on several players ahead of some major calls as Declan Rice, Marc Guehi and Reece James face races against time to face Norway in the World Cup quarter-final
Declan Rice has been ill this week - casting doubt over his involvement against Norway
Declan Rice has been ill this week - casting doubt over his involvement against Norway(Image: Getty Images)
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England are sweating on the wellbeing of Declan Rice - who is among three players facing a race against time to play in the World Cup quarter-final against Norway.
The Arsenal midfielder has been nursing a muscular issue all tournament, but it is a sickness bug that currently has him sidelined. The ex-West Ham star is currently isolating from the squad so as to prevent any spread and has missed two sessions this week.
Rice picked up his muscle issue during the Premier League season with Arsenal, but has largely been present for England. He was seen icing his hamstring against DR Congo but played the entirety of England's historic win over Mexico at the Azteca Stadium.
The Arsenal star has formed a partnership in the middle of the park with Elliot Anderson, now of Manchester City. If he cannot play then it could open the door for the likes of Kobbie Mainoo.
Another regular in Marc Guehi is also a concern ahead of facing Erling Haaland and co. The centre-half would be key in containing his club mate, who is rivalling Harry Kane for the World Cup Golden Boot.
Guehi is desperate to prove his fitness and remains optimistic he can be involved, but if he doesn't train with the squad on Friday then his involvement this weekend will be seriously doubtful.
The issue is not viewed as serious, but Thomas Tuchel can ill-afford to take risks, especially with Haaland posing such a threat. John Stones, Dan Burn and Trevoh Chalobah are all available at centre-back should the City defender miss out.
Marc Guehi is nursing a hamstring issue
Marc Guehi is nursing a hamstring issue(Image: Charlotte Wilson/Offside/Offside via Getty Images)
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England's backline has been the area most heavily struck by availability issues. Jarell Quansah's red card against Mexico has seen him banned for two games, and he had only been drafted into the starting XI following the injury to Reece James, who was the first choice right-back heading into the World Cup.
The Chelsea man could now make a return against the Norwegians. He picked up a hamstring injury during the goalless draw with Ghana and did not finish all of Thursday's session but could be part of the squad provided he feels no issues.
England will be heavy favourites to make the last four, but Norway have shown they have an appetite for the upset having dumped out Brazil in the last 16. If the Three Lions to advance they face a potentially mouthwatering clash against old rivals Argentina, who will face Switzerland just hours after England.
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