Guehi's Fitness to be Assessed Ahead of Norway Quarter-Final
England defender Marc Guehi, who has featured in all five of England's World Cup matches, will undergo a fitness assessment on Friday to determine his availability for Saturday's World Cup quarter-final against Norway. The centre-back sustained a slight hamstring injury following England's 3-2 victory over Mexico in the last 16 at the Azteca Stadium.
Right-back Reece James returned to training on Thursday as anticipated and remains in contention for the upcoming game. However, midfielder Declan Rice missed training for a second consecutive day due to a sickness bug.
Initially, there was hope that Guehi was experiencing muscular fatigue and would be fit to face Norway. It is now understood that the Manchester City defender has a hamstring strain. Guehi is eager to prove his fitness and remains optimistic about participating. Should he be unable to train with the squad on Friday, significant doubt will surround his inclusion against Norway.
While the injury is not considered serious, England head coach Thomas Tuchel is cautious about risking defenders' fitness, especially with the challenge of containing seven-goal striker Erling Haaland.
Rice has been affected by a neural issue impacting his hamstring and lower back, which has been aggravated by the illness. England's medical team has taken measures to prevent the sickness bug from spreading within the squad.
In positive news for Tuchel, first-choice right-back James returned to full training for the first time since sustaining a hamstring injury during the goalless draw with Ghana. Although James did not complete the entire Thursday session, he is expected to be available for the Norway match, provided he experiences no adverse effects.
Defensive Options for Norway Match
James' return is a significant boost for Tuchel, as the right-back position has been problematic due to injuries and suspensions. reported on Monday that the Chelsea defender was expected to resume training and be available for selection against Norway.
On Thursday, it was revealed that Jarell Quansah, who started at right-back against Mexico, received a two-game suspension following his red card in the last-16 match. Newcastle's Tino Livramento suffered a calf injury before the tournament, leading to Chelsea central defender Trevoh Chalobah, who can also operate at full-back, being called up as his replacement.
Considering injuries and suspensions, Djed Spence was potentially the only natural right-back available for the Norway game. Guehi's fitness adds another layer of complexity. Should Guehi be unavailable, John Stones, Dan Burn, and Chalobah remain options at centre-back.
Konsa Shares Experience of Right-Back Role and Stones' Support
Aston Villa centre-back Ezri Konsa, who can cover at right-back, spoke to about his experience filling in at right wing-back during the victory over Mexico.
"With the heat and everything and having to change positions, going to right wing-back with a man down, it's not easy," he said.
"You have to tuck in and then, when the ball gets switched, you've got to run out and try and stop crosses.
"And I think the first 10 minutes mentally was tough because I was feeling it a little bit, but I had to find a switch and overcome it."
Konsa praised Stones for his encouragement during the match.
"He even asked to swap positions," Konsa added.
"But I told him: 'No, don't worry, it's fine.'
"So yeah, I had to find a switch. And thankfully I managed to find it just in time.
"Super proud of the boys and what we managed to achieve that night.
"I'll always play wherever the manager wants me to play. As long as I'm on that pitch and helping the team, I'm happy no matter where I'm playing."
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