Tribal Football

BREAKING: Reece James 'winning fitness race' as England face Norway showdown

England defender Reece James.
England defender Reece James.Reuters

England could land a major fitness boost ahead of their 2026 FIFA World Cup quarter final with Norway on July 11.

Thomas Tuchel's side battled out a 3-2 win over Mexico in the second knockout phase to book their place in the final eight where they will take on Erling Haaland in Miami.

Advertisement
Advertisement

However, victory over El Tri came at a cost for England, with Jarell Quansah sent off at the Estadio Azteca, and the Bayer Leverkusen star is expected to serve a one-game ban against Norway.

Tuchel hinted at an appeal over Quansah's red card, but the situation could be eased by a shock return to the starting XI for Chelsea defender Reece James, following a hamstring issue.

James completed 90 minutes in England's first two games of the tournament, in a 4-2 group stage win over Croatia and a 0-0 stalemate with Ghana, but he's not featured since.

The Blues star has been plagued by injuries across the last two seasons and there was a danger of his World Cup being fully derailed.

If James is able to take part in at least one full training session at England's base in Kansas, he could be thrown straight in by Tuchel, as his first-choice in the role.

A recall for James looks set to be Tuchel's only change from the team who started against Mexico with Declan Rice set to shake off an ongoing muscular problem to retain his place in midfield.

Related Articles