World Cup: Guehi a major doubt as England prepare for Norway clash

By , July 10, 2026

Marc Guehi is a serious doubt for England’s World Cup quarter-final on Saturday against Norway as he battles a hamstring strain picked up in the win over Mexico.

Guehi didn’t take part in the final training session in Kansas City, Sky Sports News understands, but Thomas Tuchel has not yet given up hope that he will be able to start the game.

The Manchester City defender was seen walking around the edge of the pitch at England’s Swope Soccer training base on Thursday, but it’s now clear he wasn’t able to join his teammates on the grass. The problem is not thought to be serious, but time is running out for Guehi to prove his fitness.

Exhausted England players collapse on the pitch after the win. PHOTO/https://www.facebook.com/EnglandTeam

Dan Burn is pushing to come into the England defence, should Guehi not make it.

Burn came on in the 75th minute in the Azteca Stadium, and he was outstanding in the backs-to-the-wall victory, making six clearances – the most by any substitute at a World Cup since records began in 1966. That performance has impressed Tuchel, who is formulating a plan to try to counter the physicality of Norway’s star man, Erling Haaland.

More injury concerns

Elsewhere, Declan Rice and Reece James remain concerns for Tuchel, who has some big decisions to make.

Rice is being kept away from the rest of his teammates after being struck down with a stomach complaint following the trip to Mexico, but contrary to reports elsewhere, no other England player has been affected. England’s medical staff are thought to be confident Rice will be able to feature in the quarter-final after he has been given further fluids and medication.

As for James, while it is clear he is desperate to play and feels ready to answer Tuchel’s call at right-back, the hamstring injury that has stopped him from training with the squad for almost three weeks is still a major concern.

England full-back Reece James. PHOTO/https://www.facebook.com/fifaworldcup

The England head coach will have to take advice from his medical staff later today about whether James can be risked, with the danger of him aggravating the injury, which would certainly put an end to his tournament.

Quansah’s two-match suspension

Meanwhile, Jarell Quansah has been given a two-match ban following his red card in England’s last-16 win over Mexico.

The Bayer Leverkusen defender was given a straight red following a VAR review of a challenge on Jesus Gallardo in the second half at the Estadio Azteca, but Thomas Tuchel’s men hung on for a famous 3-2 victory.

The tackle has been deemed “serious foul play” under FIFA’s disciplinary code and the governing body announced on Thursday that Quansah will serve an immediate suspension, ruling him out of Saturday’s quarter-final with Norway in Miami and a possible semi-final against either Argentina or Switzerland.

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