​Declan Rice and Marc Guehi were not present at training as England prepared for their FIFA World Cup quarter-final clash with Norway. Rice has been dealing with lower back troubles, while Guehi is said to be carrying muscle fatigue after the daring win over Mexico and is currently focusing on recovery work. Both players are following individualized fitness plans, but they are expected to be fit for the high-stakes matchup in Miami.
England boss Thomas Tuchel oversaw an open training session at the team’s Kansas City base, with television cameras in attendance, according to The Mirror. Reece James, however, remained out of action, missing another training session and now facing a tight schedule to regain full fitness in time for the clash.
The Football Association is still to decide whether to appeal Jarell Quansah’s red card, which would rule him out of the Norway game.
On a more positive note, Anthony Gordon has proclaimed that the current England squad is the best he has ever been part of, by a wide margin. The Barcelona winger delivered a standout performance in England’s memorable victory over Mexico, a result regarded as one of the greatest triumphs abroad in English football history. Gordon credited manager Thomas Tuchel with cultivating a strong sense of brotherhood within the group, noting that morale in camp has never been higher.
In a recent appearance on Extra Time, Gordon told listeners that camp life is exceptional and that he is thoroughly enjoying the experience. He described the squad as having “an unbelievable group,” the best England side he has been part of in terms of chemistry and connection both on and off the pitch. He emphasized that the standards off the field are equally important, with players holding one another accountable to drive success. Such camaraderie, he suggested, is a crucial factor behind the team’s recent progress.
Gordon’s involvement has been marked by inconsistency earlier in the tournament, but he has started to find his rhythm in this World Cup, delivering crucial contributions in England’s two most recent games. He supplied two assists for Harry Kane in the DR Congo match and won a penalty against Mexico, which Kane converted. Despite these fine contributions, Gordon has expressed a desire to increase his goal tally as he eyes life in Spain next season.
The winger spoke about his ambitions to become a more prolific scorer, noting that finishing is a core strength of his game and that daily practice is essential to unlocking his potential. He explained that continuous practice helps him perform with greater freedom on match day. In addition, Gordon has been seeking guidance from Kane, hoping to learn from the captain’s ability to score with both feet and from any angle, acknowledging the importance of Kane’s experience and composure in front of goal.
Overall, the England squad enters a pivotal moment in their World Cup campaign, with the selection and fitness of key players hanging in the balance. The team’s morale appears exceptionally high, driven by a sense of unity and a belief in their tactical plan under Tuchel. As England prepare for their quarter-final, the focus remains on collective performance, medical updates, and how individual players—especially Rice, Guehi, James, and Gordon—will contribute to advancing to the semi-finals. The atmosphere around camp suggests optimism, tempered by the reality of the demanding knock-out stage and the need for players to prove their readiness for the high-stakes fixtures ahead.