England will make a late assessment on Marc Guehi before Saturday's World Cup quarter-final against Norway, with the defender battling a hamstring problem sustained after the dramatic 3-2 victory over Mexico in the Round of 16 at the Azteca Stadium.
Initial hopes within the camp were that the Manchester City center-back was dealing only with muscular fatigue. However, it is now understood that he has suffered a hamstring strain. Guehi is determined to prove his fitness and remains optimistic of featuring, but if he is unable to train with the squad on Friday, his chances of playing will be in serious doubt.
Declan Rice also remains unavailable in training after missing a second consecutive session because of a sickness bug. The midfielder had already been managing a neural issue affecting his hamstring and lower back, and illness has further complicated his recovery. England has introduced measures designed to prevent the virus from spreading through the squad.
James boosts defensive options
There was more encouraging news for head coach Thomas Tuchel as Reece James returned to full training on Thursday following the hamstring injury he suffered during the goalless draw with Ghana. Although the Chelsea defender did not complete the entire session, he is expected to be available against Norway provided he experiences no reaction after training.
James' recovery is particularly significant given England's shortage of options at right-back. Earlier in the week it had already been reported that he was targeting a return for the quarter-final, while Jarell Quansah has since received a two-match suspension following his red card against Mexico.
Newcastle's Tino Livramento had been ruled out before the tournament with a calf injury, leading to the call-up of Trevoh Chalobah, who is capable of operating both centrally and at full-back. With injuries and suspension reducing the available choices, Djed Spence had emerged as the only specialist right-back ready for selection before James resumed training.
A defensive reshuffle remains possible
Guehi's condition creates another selection dilemma for Tuchel ahead of a meeting with Norway and seven-goal striker Erling Haaland. While the injury is not regarded as severe, England are reluctant to take unnecessary risks with defenders in such an important match.
If Guehi is unavailable, John Stones, Dan Burn, and Chalobah are all available to fill the central defensive positions. Ezri Konsa, who can also cover on the right, reflected on his own positional switch during the victory over Mexico.
The Aston Villa defender admitted adapting to right wingback while England was down to 10 men in difficult weather conditions was mentally demanding, but he managed to adjust as the game progressed. Konsa also revealed that Stones repeatedly encouraged him throughout the match and even offered to swap positions, although he declined because he wanted to continue helping the team wherever he was needed.
Konsa added that he is always willing to play in any role requested by the manager, saying his priority is simply contributing to the team's success regardless of his position on the field.