Reece James Fitness Scare Ahead of England’s Norway Quarter-Final
England face a significant injury headache heading into their World Cup 2026 quarter-final against Norway in Miami on Saturday, with right-back Reece James again unable to join the main group in training on Wednesday.
According to The Guardian, James has been sidelined since picking up a hamstring injury during England’s 0-0 group-stage draw with Ghana in Boston. Manager Thomas Tuchel was aware from the outset that he would miss several games, and James played no part in England’s dramatic victory over Mexico at the Estadio Azteca on Monday. He had been targeting a return for the quarter-finals, but training individually away from the squad in Kansas City is not an encouraging sign.
The situation at right-back is particularly troubling for Tuchel. Jarell Quansah filled in against Mexico but received a red card and is suspended for the Norway match. The Football Association was reported to be considering appealing that decision, though no outcome was confirmed at the time of The Guardian’s report.
Declan Rice and Marc Guéhi were also working through individual programmes on Wednesday, though there appears to be less alarm over their availability. Rice has been managing nerve pain in a hamstring since Christmas and had to sit out the Panama group game, which England won 2-0. He has insisted he can play through the discomfort. Guéhi’s absence was put down to muscle fatigue.
On a more positive note for England, Jordan Henderson has chosen to remain with the squad rather than return home following a freak arm fracture sustained after the Mexico game. The Brentford midfielder underwent surgery in Mexico City and is back in camp to lend his experience and leadership even though his tournament is over as a player.
Norway, meanwhile, are bullish about their chances. Captain Martin Ødegaard brushed aside reports of a sickness bug circulating in the Norwegian camp — it appears to have been little more than sore throats from air-conditioned venues — and made clear his side fear no one after beating Brazil.