​Midfielder Declan Rice and defenders Marc Guehi and Reece James trained with England on the eve of Saturday’s World Cup quarter-final against Norway. The only player absent was Jordan Henderson, who missed out after undergoing surgery for a broken arm. Manchester City’s Guehi had previously reported a slight hamstring issue after England’s 3-2 win over Mexico in the last 16 at the Azteca Stadium, but he joined the squad for training in Fort Lauderdale under the watchful eye of former England captain David Beckham. Right-back Reece James, who had sat out three games, returned to training as expected on Thursday and then again on Friday, positioning him to face Norway in the 22:00 BST kickoff at Miami Stadium.
Rice’s return after a bout of illness is a welcome boost for England head coach Thomas Tuchel as the team pursues a place in the semi-finals. The midfielder had been dealing with a neural issue affecting his hamstring and lower back, which had been aggravated by illness. The squad has taken precautions to prevent the illness from spreading. Beckham, who played in three World Cups, was pictured speaking with captain Harry Kane during Friday’s training session.
James’ return is particularly significant given England’s ongoing concerns at right-back due to injuries and suspensions. BBC Sport reported on Monday that the Chelsea defender was expected to be back in training and potentially ready to face Norway. On Thursday, it emerged that Jarell Quansah, who started at right-back against Mexico, had been banned for two games following a red card in the last-16 clash.
Newcastle’s Tino Livramento had injured his calf before the tournament and was replaced in the squad by Chelsea central defender Trevoh Chalobah, who can also operate at full-back but is not a natural choice in that position. If James had been declared unfit, Djed Spence would have been England’s only natural right-back available. Central defender Ezri Konsa, another player capable of covering at right-back, explained to BBC Sport how he was asked to fill in there during the win over Mexico after Quansah’s dismissal. “With the heat and everything and having to change positions, going to right wing-back with a man down, it’s not easy,” Konsa said. “You have to tuck in and then, when the ball is switched, you’ve got to run out and try to stop crosses.”
Konsa described the mental strain in the opening minutes as he adapted, noting how he felt it in the early stages but managed to switch and cope just in time. He also highlighted the encouragement he received from teammate John Stones, who urged him to push on and even offered to swap positions, though Konsa chose to stay where he was. “No, don’t worry, it’s fine,” he recalled Stones telling him. In the end, Konsa said he found the right balance and contributed to a performance he is incredibly proud of in that match.
This squad news arrives as England focus on securing a spot in the semi-finals, with the players aiming to capitalize on their depth and versatility across the back line. The coaching staff and medical team have coordinated closely to ensure readiness for the crucial fixture, while Beckham’s presence at training underscored the leadership and experience guiding a squad chasing a major tournament milestone. As the team prepares to meet Norway, Tuchel will be weighing options at right-back and across the defensive midfield to maintain solidity and threat going forward, leveraging Rice’s return, James’ reintegration, and Guehi’s continued fitness to build a strong, organized unit for the last-eight showdown.