England have been handed a triple fitness boost ahead of their World Cup quarter-final against Norway, with Declan Rice and Marc Guehi both starting despite being injury concerns for Thomas Tuchel. The Three Lions face Norway in Miami as they bid to reach the semi-finals.
Injury concerns and starting lineup
Rice had been suffering from a slight sickness bug, while Guehi picked up some hamstring pain. Both missed Wednesday's training session but were back in training by Friday, along with Reece James, who is among the substitutes. Jordan Henderson is out after undergoing surgery on his arm following a freak injury during celebrations after the 3-2 win over Mexico. He is not expected to play again in the tournament but will stay with the squad.
England XI (4-2-3-1): Pickford; Stones, Konsa, Guehi, O'Reilly; Anderson, Rice; Madueke, Bellingham, Gordon; Kane. Jarell Quansah is suspended after his red card against Mexico.
Suspension risks for semi-final
Four England players are at risk of suspension for a potential semi-final if they receive a yellow card against Norway. Jude Bellingham, Declan Rice, Marc Guehi, and Nico O'Reilly would all miss the semi-final if booked. Under FIFA's new regulations for the expanded World Cup, yellow cards are wiped twice: after the group stage and after the quarter-finals.
According to FIFA rules, if a player receives two yellow cards across matches before the semi-final, they would normally face a one-game ban. However, with the wipe after the quarter-finals, any player on one yellow card who gets booked against Norway would be suspended for the semi-final.
