Rice, Guehi and James all train as England get boost before Norway

England received a timely lift on the eve of their World Cup quarter-final against Norway as Declan Rice, Marc Guehi and Reece James all trained. Jordan Henderson was the only squad member absent after surgery on a broken arm, though England are still leaving the door open for his involvement later in the tournament.

Guehi had been a concern after reporting a slight hamstring problem following the win over Mexico, but he was back out at Fort Lauderdale and took part in the session. Rice’s return was also important after a sickness bug kept him out, especially with the midfielder already managing a neural issue affecting his hamstring and lower back.

James’ presence is another major positive for Thomas Tuchel. The Chelsea right-back has missed three matches but is now back in training and pushing to be fit for the game in Miami. That matters because England have been stretched badly at right-back through injury and suspension, leaving them short of natural options.

Jarell Quansah is suspended after his red card against Mexico, Tino Livramento was ruled out before the tournament with a calf injury, and Trevoh Chalobah has had to cover despite being more naturally a centre-back. Without James, Djed Spence may have been the only specialist right-back available.

There was also a lighter moment around the session, with Sir David Beckham watching on and speaking to Harry Kane. Beckham’s presence underlined the scale of the occasion, but England will be more interested in the fitness of their key defenders as they prepare for Haaland and Norway.

Ezri Konsa, who has also been used at right-back, spoke about the challenge of adapting mid-game against Mexico after Quansah was sent off. He said it was tough physically and mentally in the heat, but that he had to switch on quickly and deal with the demands of the role.

Konsa also praised John Stones for encouraging him during that match, saying the defender kept pushing him to settle into the position. His comments reflected the spirit in the squad, where players are willing to adjust for the team whenever needed.

For Tuchel, the encouraging news is simple: several important players are back on the pitch, and England enter their biggest test of the tournament in far better shape than it first appeared.