Reece James Injury Doubt Continues Ahead of England's World Cup Quarter-Final
Reece James remains a major concern for England ahead of their World Cup quarter-final against Norway, as the right-back failed to join the squad for training on Wednesday. The Chelsea defender, who sustained a hamstring injury during England’s 0-0 draw with Ghana in Boston, has been absent from group training since the incident. Manager Thomas Tuchel previously indicated James would likely miss at least two games and potentially a last-16 tie, a timeline that aligns with the player’s current status. His absence could significantly impact England’s defensive setup for Saturday’s crucial clash in Miami.
While James continued individual work, teammates Declan Rice and Marc Guéhi participated in separate training sessions, signaling their potential availability for the match. Tuchel’s initial assessment of James’ injury timeline has not improved, leaving the 23-year-old as a doubt for a pivotal stage of the tournament. With the quarter-final carrying high stakes for England’s World Cup campaign, the team’s ability to adapt defensively without James—whether through tactical adjustments or alternative personnel—will be critical as they prepare for Norway’s challenge.