Reece James has been forced to watch most of England’s World Cup campaign from the sidelines.
The Chelsea right-back played the full 90 minutes of the Three Lions’ opening two group fixtures, against Croatia and Ghana, but suffered a hamstring injury in the latter game.
James has missed England’s past three matches as a result, leading to fears he could be absent for Saturday’s World Cup 2026 quarter-final against Norway (10pm BST).
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Reece James injury update for England vs Norway
Three Lions head coach Thomas Tuchel faces a dilemma at right-back, with Jarell Quansah suspended following his red card in the last-16 win over Mexico and Djed Spence struggling in that position against DR Congo in the last 32 with the manager visibly angry at his player.
It would be a massive boost for Tuchel to have James available to face Erling Haaland and Co., and there appears to be optimism within the England camp.
According to BBC Sport, the 26-year-old returned to full training on Thursday for the first time since he sustained the injury against Ghana.
James did not complete the whole session, but he is expected to be included in England’s squad for the quarter-final in Miami, as long as he does not suffer any setbacks in the next 36 hours.
Tuchel will be desperate to have his first-choice right-back available, especially considering that Antonio Nusa, one of Norway’s most dangerous players, is likely to start on the left wing.
The Three Lions boss does have options in that position if James is unable to complete the full match, including Spence, Ezri Konsa and Trevoh Chalobah.
But with news emerging on Thursday that Quansah’s suspension has been extended to two games, England cannot afford more absences in a position that has caused Tuchel a headache at this tournament.
James’ career has been blighted by a string of injuries, restricting him to just 26 England caps since his debut in October 2020.
But he will hope to play some part on Saturday as the Three Lions aim to reach the World Cup semi-finals for just the fourth time.
If they beat Norway, England would set up a last-four clash in Atlanta next Wednesday against the winner of Argentina’s game against Switzerland, which kicks-off at 2am BST on Sunday.
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