England’s Guehi, Rice & James all train before Norway game

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England’s Guehi, Rice & James all train before Norway game

England players in training on Friday before facing Norway in the quarter-finals of the World CupImage source, Getty Images
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Senior football correspondent
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England midfielder Declan Rice and defenders Marc Guehi and Reece James all took part in training on the eve of Saturday’s World Cup quarter-final against Norway.

Jordan Henderson is the only squad player who missed out after having surgery on a broken arm.

Manchester City’s Guehi complained of a slight hamstring injury following England’s 3-2 victory over Mexico in the last 16 at the Azteca Stadium, but he trained at Fort Lauderdale under the watchful eye of former England captain Sir David Beckham.

Right-back James has missed three games but returned to training as expected on Thursday and featured again on Friday, putting him in contention to face Norway (22:00 BST kick-off) at Miami Stadium.

The return of Rice, after a sickness bug, is also a boost for Thomas Tuchel as the England head coach attempts to secure a semi-final spot.

Rice had already been suffering with a neural issue affecting his hamstring and lower back, and it was exacerbated by illness.

Beckham, who played in three World Cups,, external was pictured speaking to captain Harry Kane at Friday’s training session.

A picture of Marc Guehi during the England v Mexico gameImage source, Getty Images

Defensive options for Norway

James’ return, in what has been England’s problem position because of injury and suspension, will come as a welcome boost to Tuchel.

BBC Sport reported on Monday that the Chelsea defender was expected to return to training and be in contention for Norway.

On Thursday it was revealed that Jarell Quansah, who started at right-back against Mexico, had been banned for two games for his red card in the last-16 tie.

Newcastle’s Tino Livramento injured his calf before the tournament began and was replaced in the squad by Chelsea central defender Trevoh Chalobah, who can also play at full-back but is not a natural there.

Had James been declared unfit, Djed Spence was potentially the only natural right-back available for England.

Konsa reveals Stones encouragement

Central defender Ezri Konsa, another who can cover at right-back, told BBC Sport about being asked to fill in there during the win over Mexico following Quansah’s dismissal.

“With the heat and everything and having to change positions, going to right wing-back with a man down, it’s not easy,” said the Aston Villa player.

“You have to tuck in and then, when the ball gets switched, you’ve got to run out and try and stop crosses.

“And I think the first 10 minutes mentally was tough because I was feeling it a little bit, but I had to find a switch and overcome it.”

Konsa recalled the encouragement he received from team-mate John Stones, who he said “kept pushing me”.

“He even asked to swap positions,” Konsa said.

“But I told him: ‘No, don’t worry, it’s fine.’

“So yeah, I had to find a switch. And thankfully I managed to find it just in time.

“Super proud of the boys and what we managed to achieve that night.

“I’ll always play wherever the manager wants me to play. As long as I’m on that pitch and helping the team, I’m happy no matter where I’m playing.”

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