England suffer major injury blow ahead of Norway World Cup match

England are sweating over the fitness of Marc Guehi after the defender suffered a hamstring problem ahead of Saturday's World Cup quarter-final against Norway.

The centre-back will be assessed by England's medical staff on Friday as Thomas Tuchel waits to discover whether one of his key defenders will be available for the showdown with Erling Haaland and company in Miami.

Guehi picked up the issue during England's dramatic 3-2 victory over Mexico in the last 16 at the Azteca Stadium.

Initial optimism that the Manchester City star was simply suffering from muscular fatigue has since faded, with the problem now understood to be a minor hamstring strain.

The injury is not believed to be serious and Guehi remains hopeful of featuring against Norway.

However, if the 25-year-old is unable to train with the rest of the squad on Friday, serious doubts will remain over his availability for the World Cup quarter-final.

Any absence would hand Tuchel another major selection headache ahead of one of England's biggest matches of the tournament.

Declan Rice also missed training for a second consecutive day after being struck down by illness.

The Arsenal midfielder had already been managing a neural issue affecting his hamstring and lower back, with the sickness bug further complicating his preparations.

England have isolated Rice from the rest of the squad as a precaution in an effort to prevent the illness spreading through the camp.

There was, however, more encouraging news elsewhere.

Reece James returned to training on Thursday for the first time since injuring his hamstring during England's goalless group-stage draw with Ghana.

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Although the Chelsea full-back did not complete the entire session, he remains on course to face Norway provided he suffers no reaction before kick-off.

James' return would provide a significant boost after England's problems at right-back throughout the tournament.

Jarell Quansah, who filled the role against Mexico, will miss the quarter-final after receiving a two-match suspension following his red card in the last-16 victory.

Newcastle defender Tino Livramento had already been ruled out before the tournament through a calf injury, leading to Trevoh Chalobah being drafted into the squad as cover.

If Guehi is unavailable, Tuchel still has John Stones, Dan Burn and Chalobah as centre-back options, while Ezri Konsa is another player capable of filling multiple defensive roles.

Konsa admitted adapting during the victory over Mexico was a major challenge after England were reduced to 10 men.

"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."

The Aston Villa defender also praised John Stones for helping him through the difficult spell.

"He even asked to swap positions," Konsa said.

"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."