Reece James Set to Return for England’s World Cup Quarterfinal Against Norway

England manager Thomas Tuchel has indicated that Reece James should be available for selection in Saturday’s World Cup quarterfinal clash with Norway in Miami (22:00 BST). The Chelsea captain has been sidelined since sustaining a hamstring injury during the second group stage match against Ghana. That setback forced him to miss subsequent group fixtures against Panama, DR Congo, and the Round of 16 victory over Mexico. Tuchel’s right‑back options have been stretched to the limit. The situation worsened when Jarell Quansah, who had been filling in at right‑back, was sent off in the 54th minute of Sunday’s 3‑2 win over Mexico. The red card means Quansah is suspended for the quarterfinal, leaving the England boss with a mounting headache on that flank. Against Mexico, centre‑back Ezri Konsa shifted across to right wing‑back after Quansah’s dismissal. Over the course of five matches, Tuchel has used Konsa, Djed Spence, John Stones, Quansah, and even midfielder Declan Rice in right‑sided defensive roles. Compounding the issue, Tino Livramento picked up a calf injury during the pre‑tournament camp and has not featured. With Quansah out and Spence yet to fully convince, the potential return of James is a significant boost. The 26‑year‑old is regarded as England’s first‑choice right‑back, and there is growing optimism that he will rejoin full training this week. If James can prove his fitness, he could slot straight back into the starting eleven for one of the biggest matches of the tournament. Konsa and Spence remain possible fallback options, but Tuchel will be hoping the Chelsea man can give his defence the stability it has lacked in recent games.