England have been handed a significant fitness boost ahead of Saturday’s FIFA World Cup quarter-final against Norway after Declan Rice, Marc Guéhi and Reece James all returned to training.
The trio trained with the squad on Friday after missing Wednesday’s session, easing concerns over their availability for the last-eight clash.
James has been sidelined for England’s previous three matches with a hamstring injury, leaving head coach Thomas Tuchel short of options at right-back. The Chelsea captain is now expected to return to the starting line-up, particularly with Jarell Quansah suspended following his red card in England’s dramatic 3-2 extra-time victory over Mexico in the Round of 16.
Rice and Guéhi both completed the full match against Mexico despite carrying hamstring concerns, while Rice also battled illness earlier in the week.
Speaking at his pre-match press conference, Tuchel welcomed the return of the trio.
“That is the best news. We had everyone available in training,” Tuchel said.
“We have a full squad to choose from except for our suspended player, Jarell Quansah.
“We took a big step in our last match, but it was only one step. We are still hungry and still have dreams. The next step is to win a quarter-final.”
Guéhi, who is expected to come up against Manchester City team-mate Erling Haaland if selected, has been recovering from a hamstring strain.
England face Norway on Saturday with a place in the World Cup semi-finals at stake.
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