Marc Guehi is doubtful for England's FIFA World Cup 2026 quarter-final against Norway at Miami Stadium on Saturday, with the defender set to undergo a fitness assessment on Friday to determine his availability. Midfielder Declan Rice is also in a race against time after being struck by a sickness bug, leaving England manager Thomas Tuchel facing a mounting injury crisis ahead of one of the tournament's most high-stakes fixtures.

Guehi and Rice Miss Training

Guehi picked up a slight hamstring injury during England's dramatic 3-2 victory over Mexico in the round of 16 at the Azteca Stadium. Both Guehi and Rice were absent from the squad's training session on Wednesday, instead working on individual rehabilitation programmes. If Guehi is unable to rejoin full squad training on Friday, his inclusion against Norway will be in serious doubt.

Rice, meanwhile, missed a second consecutive day of training on Thursday due to the illness, adding further concern to England's midfield options ahead of Saturday's tie.

Quansah Suspension Deepens Right-Back Crisis

Tuchel faces a particularly acute problem at right-back after Jarell Quansah received a red card during Sunday's 3-2 win over Mexico. The Bayer Leverkusen defender is suspended for two games as a result, leaving England short of options in a position that will be tested severely by Norway and Manchester City striker Erling Haaland, who has scored seven goals at the tournament so far.

James Returns, Henderson Recovers from Surgery

There was some positive news for the camp, however. Reece James, sidelined since suffering a hamstring injury in England's goalless draw against Ghana in their second group game — and absent again for the Mexico knockout win — returned to training on Thursday, offering Tuchel a potential option at right-back.

Jordan Henderson, who sustained what was described as a 'really bad' wrist injury while celebrating the Mexico victory, also remained with the squad after undergoing successful surgery. England Football confirmed that Henderson is 'recovering at the team hotel having undergone successful surgery on his arm following an injury sustained after the win in Mexico City,' rather than returning home as had been feared.

What Is at Stake in Miami

A place in the FIFA World Cup 2026 semi-finals is on the line at Miami Stadium, with the winners set to face either Argentina or Switzerland in the last four. The fitness of Guehi and Rice in particular could prove decisive against a Norway side powered by Haaland's relentless goalscoring form. Tuchel and his medical staff will be working through the night to make final calls before Saturday's kick-off.