England trio Reece James, Declan Rice and Marc Guehi were all absent from the team's first training session following their dramatic victory over Mexico in the Azteca, leaving manager Thomas Tuchel sweating on their fitness ahead of the World Cup quarter-final against Norway.
Rice and Guehi expected to be fit
Declan Rice has been struggling with lower back issues, while Marc Guehi is understood to have suffered muscle fatigue after the heroic win in Mexico and is doing recovery work. Both are following their own fitness programmes but are expected to be fit for the huge clash in Miami. England boss Thomas Tuchel's men took part in an open training session at their Kansas City base in front of TV cameras.
Reece James a major doubt
Meanwhile, Reece James remains on the injury list as the right-back did not train again and is now struggling to be in with a chance of recovering in time. The FA have yet to decide whether to push ahead with representations over Jarell Quansah's red card, which rules him out of the Norway clash.
Gordon hails squad 'brotherhood'
Anthony Gordon says the current England squad is the best group he has been part of “by a country mile.” The Barcelona winger was one of the heroes of England’s victory in Mexico, when they showed remarkable spirit in one of the all-time great wins on foreign soil. Gordon says that is down to Thomas Tuchel creating a “brotherhood” within the squad and says the mood in the camp has never been better.
Gordon, in the latest episode of Extra Time, said: “Camplife is amazing. I am absolutely loving it. We have got an unbelievable group, the best England group I have been a part of by a country mile, in terms of chemistry, in terms of connection, not just on the pitch but off the pitch. In terms of standards off the pitch, we are holding each other accountable, which is really important for any team that wants to be successful.”
Gordon aims for more goals
Gordon has enjoyed a stop-start tournament but has played a huge role in the past two games and appears to be getting lift-off in this World Cup. He provided two assists for Harry Kane against DR Congo and won a penalty against Mexico in a standout display, with the England captain also converting from the spot. But Gordon says he also wants to add more goals to his game as he prepares for club life in Spain next season.
Gordon added: “I love finishing, it's a big part of my game, I want to be a goalscorer. The only way I can truly get to where I want to be is by practising every single day. The more practice allows you to become free in the mind on game day. I have been speaking to H (Kane) and trying to gain as much knowledge as I possibly can because he can do it on both feet, doesn't matter the angle, doesn't matter off his touch, the ball finds a way into the net. I have been trying to pick up a little bit off him.”
