England manager Thomas Tuchel faces a persistent selection headache at right-back ahead of Saturday's World Cup quarter-final against Norway in Miami. Reece James could return from a hamstring injury to ease the crisis, but his availability remains uncertain.
James' Injury History at the Tournament
James started England's first two matches of the campaign, including the opener against Croatia, before suffering a hamstring problem. He has not trained with the squad since, though he did participate in the warm-up ahead of the last-16 clash with Mexico.
According to The Telegraph, England hope James could be fit to play some part against Norway. However, Sky Sports reports that the medical team is working hard on the Chelsea captain, but it is still 'touch and go' whether he will feature.
Right-Back Carousel: Six Players in Five Games
In just five World Cup matches, England have deployed six different right-backs. After James' injury, Jarell Quansah started the third group game against Panama but injured his ankle and failed to finish. Djed Spence then took over against DR Congo in the last 32 but underperformed, with Declan Rice finishing that match at right-back.
Quansah returned from his ankle problem to start against Mexico but was sent off early in the second half for a rash challenge. John Stones replaced Bukayo Saka shortly after, moving into centre-back while Ezri Konsa switched to right-back, where Saka had briefly filled in.
Tuchel's Pre-Match Comments
Before the Mexico match, Tuchel raised hopes about James' fitness, stating: 'Reece can maybe make it on the bench, but we need the last assessment from the doctors and medical opinion if this makes sense.'
Quansah is suspended for the Norway clash due to his red card. Spence is not fully fit but will be available after reportedly 'nursing an injury' that prevented him from starting against Mexico, though he came off the bench late in the game.
Norway's Threat on the Left Wing
Whoever plays right-back for England will likely face Norway's Antonio Nusa, who has been first choice on the left wing. The 21-year-old scored a brilliant goal in the last-32 win over Ivory Coast. However, he was substituted at half-time in the last-16 victory over Brazil, replaced by Benfica's Andreas Schjelderup.
The 22-year-old Schjelderup made a strong case for a starting spot by providing assists for both of Erling Haaland's goals against Brazil.
Konsa remains an option for Tuchel, with Stones able to partner Marc Guehi in central defence. England's right-back dilemma continues to be a major talking point as they prepare for the quarter-final showdown.
