England’s preparations for quarter-final match against Norway have been suspended. (Image: The FA via Getty Images)
England pair Declan Rice and Mark Guehi missed training ahead of their World Cup quarter-final match against Norway. Rice has been suffering from back problems, while Guehi is believed to be suffering from muscle fatigue after the heroic win over Mexico and is currently recovering.
Both players are working on personal fitness programs and are expected to be ready for the showdown in Miami. Coach Thomas Tuchel’s team participated in a public training session in front of television cameras at their home base in Kansas City. Elsewhere, right-back Reece James remains sidelined after missing another training session and faces a race against time to prove his fitness.
The FA is yet to reach a verdict on whether to seek a hearing on Jarrell Quansah’s red card which ruled him out of the game against Norway.
Meanwhile, Anthony Gordon hailed the current England squad as the best group he has ever been part of.
The winger was one of the standout figures in England’s remarkable victory over Mexico, a result widely regarded as one of the greatest ever victories on foreign soil.
Gordon credits manager Thomas Tuchel with fostering a “brotherhood” within the team and claimed the atmosphere among the players was at an all-time high.
“Camp life has been great, I’m really loving it,” the England star said on the latest episode of Extra Time.
“We’ve got an incredible group, the best England group I’ve ever been a part of in terms of chemistry and bonding, both on and off the pitch.
“We hold each other accountable in terms of standards off the pitch, which is very important for a team that wants to be successful.”
Declan Rice and Mark Guehi missed training along with Reece James (Image: Getty)
Gordon has experience in mixed tournaments, but he appears to be finding his rhythm at this World Cup, having performed well in the past two games.
He provided two assists for Harry Kane against the Democratic Republic of Congo and produced a superb performance against Mexico, winning a penalty, and the England captain also scored a spot goal.
However, Gordon is keen to contribute more goals next season as he prepares for life at his new club in Spain.
Gordon added: “I love to finish, it’s a big part of my game and I want to be a goalscorer.
“The only way to get to where you really want to be is to practice every day. The more you practice, the freer your mind will be on game day.”
“I have been talking to H (Kane) and trying to get as much knowledge as possible because he can do it with both feet.
“It doesn’t matter the angle, it doesn’t matter if it comes out of his touch. The ball goes into the net. I was trying to pick it up from him.”
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