England Receives Fitness Boost Ahead of Norway Quarter-Final

England’s preparation for their World Cup quarter-final with Norway in Miami swung sharply towards the positive as Marc Guehi and Declan Rice both came through training on the eve of the game.

Guehi, who had been a major doubt with a hamstring problem, moved freely during the session at Inter Miami’s facilities, easing fears that Thomas Tuchel would be forced into reshaping his defence for the last-eight tie. Rice, laid low by a stomach bug in the days after the win over Mexico, also joined in with the full group, a significant boost at the heart of midfield.

The sight of both men back in the thick of it was exactly what Tuchel needed. England’s spine suddenly looked intact again.

The good news did not stop there. Reece James, also on the comeback trail from a hamstring injury, trained with the squad and now looks on course to be available for selection. His return offers Tuchel valuable flexibility on the right, whether from the start or off the bench.

Only Jordan Henderson sat this one out. The midfielder has begun his recovery from wrist surgery after his fall during the wild celebrations that followed England’s famous victory at the Estadio Azteca. He remains in Miami in a supporting role, part of the inner circle but, for now, not part of Tuchel’s options on the pitch.

If the medical bulletin brought relief, the weather delivered a stark reminder of what awaits. England stepped back into Florida for the first time since their pre-tournament camp and were immediately hit by the conditions: 33 degrees, humidity wrapping itself around every sprint and every touch of the ball.

This is exactly what they had planned for. Five games into their campaign, they have dealt with indoor arenas and rain-slicked pitches. Now comes the furnace they always knew was waiting for them — and, with key players back on the grass, they look far better equipped to walk into it.