England are working hard to ensure the fitness of key personnel ahead of their crucial World Cup quarter-final against Norway, including right-back Reece James, who has a hamstring problem.
Reece James wants to be fit for the match against Norway (Image: Javier Garcia/Shutterstock)
Reece James wants to be fit for the World Cup quarter-finals against Norway.
Chelsea defender James has been struggling with a hamstring injury but has stepped up his recovery efforts in recent days. James will be keen to prove his suitability ahead of the showdown in Miami, but it would still be a big gamble for England to start him.
The right-back has missed the last three games but hopes to be ready to join the squad and pay at least part of the match against Norway.
This will be yet another boost for England, who are already without Jarrell Quansah after the Bayer Leverkusen defender received a two-match ban from FIFA after his red card against Mexico.
England manager Thomas Tuchel is reluctant to break down his central defenders of Marc Guehi and Ezri Konsa, and it appears he will need to use Jed Spence as a right-back.
However, Guehi missed this week’s training due to muscle fatigue after Mexico’s draw in the last 16. That will be a concern ahead of the match against Norway. Declan Rice also missed training on Wednesday, but trained behind closed doors on Thursday, with James hoping to prove his fitness ahead of Saturday.
Meanwhile, Bukayo Saka has declared he is fit and ready to boost England’s chances of World Cup glory.
The Arsenal winger, who is battling an Achilles tendon problem, said ahead of this weekend’s quarter-final clash with Norway.
“Of course, I want to be 100% for this tournament, but it wasn’t really like that. Everyone understood that and managed me in the best way possible. But now I feel good and I’m ready.”
Saka provided the assist for Jude Bellingham’s opening goal in Mexico, but has yet to play 90 minutes for the Three Lions in this tournament.
But it doesn’t bother him because his mindset has changed now. His main focus is to have an impact on the game within the time given to him by manager Thomas Tuchel.
He continued, “Every game has been unique for me, but my mindset hasn’t changed much. Whether it’s starting or playing, I come out. I just try to do what the game needs, whether I need a goal, whether my team needs defense, whatever I need to do. It’s about winning today. That’s my mindset.”
Bukayo Saka has played with an Achilles tendon problem but says he is now fully fit (Image: 2026 MB Media)
Overcoming the odds at the Aztecs was undoubtedly a historic moment for the English side. But now there’s a determination in Miami to follow that up, with Saka working to regain a sense of calm after his ecstasy in Mexico City.
“We talked about the need to forget the drama and emotions of the game against Mexico for now.
“We have accepted all the praise and everything that comes with it, but now we have to concentrate on the game against Norway. The game against Norway will be another tough challenge, as you said, another challenge. We are fully focused and positive to win on Saturday.”
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