England arrive at their Kansas City base with three senior players sidelined ahead of the World Cup quarter‑final against Norway. Declan Rice, Marc Guehi and Reece James missed the open training session, leaving Tuchel to manage a thin midfield and defensive line.

Why are Rice, Guehi and James absent?

Rice has been battling a persistent lower‑back problem since the group stage, and the medical team kept him out of the session to avoid aggravating the issue. Guehi, who powered through the dramatic win over Mexico, showed signs of muscle fatigue and was prescribed recovery work rather than full‑intensity drills. James remains on the injury list after a hamstring setback; he hasn't trained since the last match and his chances of a comeback before the Norway game look slim.

How does this affect England’s tactical set‑up?

Tuchel is expected to reshuffle the midfield, possibly promoting Jude Bellingham to a more advanced role while leaning on Conor Gallagher for defensive cover. At right‑back, the German may call on Kieran Trippier or even a makeshift solution from the bench, a move that could alter the team's shape against Norway’s physical front line. The absence of James also means the attacking full‑back option on the right is limited, forcing the manager to rely on wing‑back rotations.

What’s the squad mood after the Mexico triumph?

Despite the injuries, Anthony Gordon told Extra Time that the camp feels tighter than ever. “Camplife is amazing – we’ve got an unbelievable group, the best England group I’ve been part of by a country mile,” he said, praising the brotherhood Tuchel has built. Gordon’s confidence stems from his own contributions: two assists for Harry Kane against DR Congo and a penalty win over Mexico, plus a desire to add more goals before his move to a Spanish club next season.

Where does England stand heading into the Norway game?

The Lions entered the knockout stage with a recent 4‑2 victory over Croatia on 2026‑06‑17, a result that lifted them to a 2‑0‑2 run in their last four matches (WWLL, most recent first). Their next fixture after Norway will be a home friendly versus Spain on 2026‑09‑26, a test that could fine‑tune the squad for the later stages. With fitness doubts lingering, Tuchel’s selections will be scrutinised, but the team’s recent form suggests they still have the firepower to progress.

What can fans expect on the day?

Expect a tightly contested match in Miami, where Norway will look to exploit England’s defensive gaps. If Tuchel can field a balanced midfield and a reliable right‑back, the Lions have a good chance to keep their World Cup dream alive. The absence of three key players adds drama, but the squad’s recent momentum and Gordon’s enthusiasm could tip the scales in England’s favour.