Manager Thomas Tuchel had little leeway to name an unchanged squad even if he wanted to.
This time, the England manager will be forced to make changes due to Jarrell Quansah’s suspension and injury concerns in his squad. Finding the right solution will be key as England face a very tough match against Norway if they aim to reach the semi-finals for the second time in the last three World Cups.
Marc Guehi picked up a hamstring strain after his heroic performance against Mexico, but that is a major concern as he has been outstanding since joining the starting XI after the second leg.
Guehi will play desperately but cannot risk making the situation worse while England have to find yet another solution at right-back. I don’t know if they will risk Guehi.
Quansah has been handed a two-game suspension, which feels extremely harsh after US President Donald Trump intervened to suspend Folarin Balogun, while Jed Spence looks likely to return after playing well against Mexico.
If we had to make that change, John Stones was excellent in the closing stages against Mexico and his experience, composure and quality of the ball will be key in a red-hot atmosphere in every sense of the word. Stones and Konsa have the attributes of a good partnership, but Reece James would like to return to the bench.
My hunch is that Declan Rice, who missed training this week, will play. He is even suffering from back problems and is reported to be feeling unwell. However, Rice feels like he’s likely to be okay staying in a midfield position as he has struggled in the past.
What does Bukayo Saka do? He recorded an assist against Mexico, but he hasn’t been at his best this tournament. But he’ll still start getting my nod and Tuchel clearly likes him.
Anthony Gordon was brilliant against Mexico and talked a lot this week about how that game cost England a place in the World Cup final.
Mark Guehi faces England fitness allegations (Image: Getty Images)
Gordon also talked about approaching the tournament in the right way and not being too busy dreaming of winning trophies that you lose focus on the match at hand.
Tuchel likes players with individuality and a strong mentality, and Gordon has that in spades, and his performance against Mexico was the best of any winger in this tournament.
That’s why I think England look for experience and quality in the scorching heat of Miami when they need players who are mature and can control the game, as they did in the first 30 minutes against Mexico.
Their control, maturity and quality of retention of possession, which quiets crowds and opponents, doesn’t get enough credit. If we can do that again, we can beat Norway.
England: Pickford; Spence, Stones, Konsa, O’Reilly. Rice, Anderson. Saka, Bellingham, Gordon. Kane.
ryan taylor
The core of Thomas Tuchel’s starting XI will be decided at this stage of the tournament, but all eyes will be on Marc Göch and Declan Rice, both of whom have fitness issues.
However, Rice’s nerve pain is not the main issue, as he has been unwell this week and is believed to have distanced himself from his teammates. He’s played through illness before, but we don’t really know how much it affected him.
If he’s ready to play, he’ll obviously start alongside Elliott Anderson. Otherwise, Jude Bellingham could start at number 10 alongside Morgan Rogers.
Otherwise, Gehi will partner Ezri Konsa at centre-back when he is ready. If not, we could actually see Dan Byrne filling in for John Stones. Byrne, like Stones, made a big contribution off the bench against Norway, but I feel he has a unique edge in this game due to his good performance against Erling Haaland.
Dan Byrne could be an option if Guehi is unavailable after his heroic cameo against Mexico (Image: Getty Images)
Haaland has scored just one goal in eight appearances against Newcastle at Burn, with Haaland’s goal being the only time the renowned defender has been on the pitch (back in August 2022). Byrne will also be a threat from set pieces.
If Reece James is not ready, Jed Spence should start at right-back, while Nico O’Reilly will retain his place at left-back.
In attack, Bukayo Saka will defend his position on the right wing, with Anthony Gordon starting on the left, with Bellingham feeding captain Harry Kane. My Prediction XI: Pickford. Spence, Konsa, Byrne, O’Reilly. Rice, Anderson. Saka, Bellingham, Gordon. Kane.
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