World Cup 2026: England defender Marc Guehi fitness worry with muscle fatigue

World Cup 2026: England defender Marc Guehi fitness worry with muscle fatigue

The squad is grappling with a series of injury concerns and a critical suspension that may force a reshuffle of the backline.

Manchester City defender Marc Guehi is a serious doubt for the clash. Guehi missed training on Wednesday and Thursday. While initial reports suggested he was suffering from muscle fatigue following England's 3-2 victory over Mexico at the Estadio Azteca, it is now understood he has a hamstring strain.

Guehi was seen walking around the edge of the pitch at the Swope Soccer training base in Kansas City on Thursday but was unable to join his teammates on the grass. He will be assessed on Friday to determine if he can feature. If he is unable to train with the squad on that day, his inclusion for Saturday is considered in major doubt.

The potential absence of Guehi is particularly pressing given the threat posed by Norway's Erling Haaland, who has scored seven goals. If Guehi cannot start, Dan Burn is pushing for a place in the side. Burn made six clearances as a substitute against Mexico — the most by any substitute at a World Cup since 1966. Burn has a strong recent record against Haaland, winning all 12 of his duels in the defensive third during the previous season.

England's right-back position remains a "problem position" due to a combination of injuries and discipline. FIFA has confirmed that Jarell Quansah will be unavailable for the game and a potential semi-final. The ban rules him out of the Norway tie and a potential semi-final.

Reece James is attempting a comeback after missing three games with a hamstring injury sustained during a draw with Ghana. James returned to training on Thursday but did not complete the full session. His availability remains a gamble, as medical staff worry about the risk of aggravating the injury. If James is unavailable, Tuchel may utilize Djed Spence or Ezri Konsa at right-back. Konsa, who filled in against Mexico, told BBC Sport that playing as a right wing-back while a man down was not easy due to the heat and the mental effort required.

The midfield is also under pressure. Declan Rice has missed two successive days of training due to a stomach complaint and sickness bug. This illness has exacerbated a neural issue in his hamstring and lower back. Rice is currently being kept away from teammates to prevent the spread of his illness.

Off the pitch, the Three Lions' camp experienced a security breach in Kansas City when a man wielding a wrench entered the media centre. The individual, who appeared to be in distress, was ushered out by police. The Football Association stated it will review security, though no players or staff were in the building at the time.

Tensions have also flared among supporters. The Met Police reported four arrests for violent disorder on Edgware Road in London following Morocco's exit from the tournament. One officer was hospitalized with a head injury after being hit by a glass bottle.