Reece James’ fitness crucial for England’s World Cup quarter-final
England are desperately trying to get Reece James fit in time for Saturday’s World Cup quarter-final against Norway as Thomas Tuchel battles an escalating injury crisis at right-back, reports BritPanorama.
James has not featured since suffering a hamstring injury during England’s group-stage victory over Ghana. The medical team is working to accelerate his rehabilitation with the hope that he can play some role in Miami.
Though James remains a major doubt, there is growing optimism around his recovery, allowing him to possibly return if England advances deeper into the tournament. Instead of departing the squad after his injury, the 26-year-old opted to stay with his teammates in the United States.
Last weekend provided some hope when James joined the squad for warm-ups prior to the last-16 victory over Mexico, despite not taking part in the match. With England facing significant depth issues at right-back, his return is becoming increasingly vital.
Djed Spence is still dealing with fitness concerns after a brief substitute appearance against Mexico, while teammate Jarell Quansah is suspended after receiving a red card in the same match. The Football Association is expected to challenge Quansah’s dismissal, with a decision on any appeal forthcoming.
If Quansah’s ban holds and James is unable to recover, Tuchel may need to reshuffle his defense once again. Ezri Konsa, who played at right-back during the dramatic win over Mexico, is among the candidates to fill the position against Norway, with John Stones potentially returning to central defense.
England’s defensive instability is underscored by the fact they have deployed six different players at right-back throughout their five matches in this World Cup. Tuchel’s injury woes do not stop with the right-back position.
Jordan Henderson has been ruled out for the remainder of the tournament after suffering a serious arm injury while celebrating the team’s thrilling 3-2 victory over Mexico. The Brentford midfielder injured himself when he attempted to leap over the advertising boards, slipping awkwardly and landing heavily on his wrist.
Medics treated Henderson on the pitch before he was taken away on a stretcher and given oxygen. Tuchel confirmed after the match that Henderson was taken to the hospital, where he remains under observation.
Rumours indicate that Henderson sustained a significant break to his arm and may require surgery, effectively ending his hopes of returning, should England progress further. His World Cup campaign had lasted just six minutes, having appeared briefly in the group-stage victory against Panama.
With England’s attention now firmly on Saturday’s quarter-final showdown with Norway, the potential return of James could provide a much-needed boost as Tuchel navigates one of the tournament’s most significant selection dilemmas.
As England’s squad grapples with uncertainty and potential injury fallout, the echoes of past tournaments remind fans how high the stakes are—and how quickly momentum can shift in a matter of days.
