Three English squad members absent from practice prior to World Cup matchup against Norway

England's preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup quarter-final against Norway were impacted by the absence of three key players from training on Wednesday. Midfielder Declan Rice, defender Marc Guéhi, and full-back Reece James were notable exceptions, opting for individual workouts instead at Swope Soccer Village due to ongoing fitness concerns.

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Rice has been managing a hamstring issue since Christmas, but his availability for the Norway clash in Miami is still expected, with the midfielder likely to play a crucial role. His fitness level is being closely monitored, although he is anticipated to be ready for the match.

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Guéhi, on the other hand, is dealing with muscle fatigue, but the centre-back is expected to start alongside Ezri Konsa in defence against Norway, despite his current struggles. This partnership is seen as a key component of England's defensive strategy.

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James, however, remains a significant doubt due to a hamstring injury that has kept him out of England's last three matches, and he is now racing against time to prove his fitness before the quarter-final. The Chelsea defender's availability is still uncertain, casting a shadow over England's preparations.

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Jarell Quansah's suspension, following his red card in the dramatic 3-2 Round of 16 victory over Mexico, means Djed Spence is likely to start at right-back if James is unavailable, adding another layer of complexity to England's team selection. This development could have a significant impact on England's defensive lineup.

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Veteran midfielder Jordan Henderson, who recently underwent surgery for a broken arm, has returned to the team's hotel in Kansas City, although he did not participate in Wednesday's training session. Despite being ruled out for the remainder of the tournament, Henderson will remain with the squad.

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Manager Thomas Tuchel is keen to keep Henderson involved due to his positive influence on the team, ensuring the experienced midfielder stays with the squad for the duration. This decision reflects the value Tuchel places on Henderson's leadership and experience.

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Wednesday's workout marked England's first training session since their return from Mexico City, following a two-day break that allowed players to spend time with their families. The team had been given time off after the victory over Mexico, before regrouping for their quarter-final preparations.

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England will conduct another training session on Thursday, as they continue to fine-tune their preparations, before flying to Miami on Friday for their final buildup to the last-eight encounter with Norway. This intense training schedule is designed to ensure the team is fully ready for the challenge ahead.