PLUS: How Bellingham is “standing up” for England
England could be without Reece James yet again in their quarter-final game against Norway after the defender again trained away from the main squad.
James has not played since suffering a hamstring injury during England’s goalless group-stage draw with Ghana. The Chelsea right-back had hoped to return for the last eight, but his continued individual training in Kansas City has cast doubt over his availability.
His absence would leave Thomas Tuchel with another selection problem at right-back. Jarell Quansah, who filled the role in England’s dramatic last-16 victory over Mexico, is suspended after his red card in that match.
There was better news elsewhere for England despite Declan Rice and Marc Guehi also training individually on Wednesday. Rice has been managing nerve pain in his hamstring since Christmas and missed the group-stage win over Panama, although he has consistently said he is able to play through the issue. Guehi’s reduced workload was attributed to muscle fatigue rather than a new injury.
England have also welcomed Jordan Henderson back to their base in Kansas City after the midfielder had surgery on the fractured arm he sustained during the win over Mexico. Although he is not expected to feature again in the tournament, he has returned to remain with the squad and encourage them.
“Him coming back just shows exactly what he’s like as a person,” Morgan Rogers said. “Hopefully he can still be involved with us going through the rest of the tournament. He’s not going to rule himself out and neither are we.
“The belief he’s got in his own body, his ability, his confidence, the way he is and what he represents as a person is massive to our group. He’s the heartbeat of the group.”
Another player who has been the heartbeat of three lions for years now, alongside Harry Kane, is Jude Bellingham. He already has four goals for the team in this tournament and Rogers backed him to continue influencing the team.
“Of course he can,” Rogers said. “He’s only 23. His prime years are ahead of him. There’s a long way to go, and he’ll probably say the same, as well.
“What’s so exciting is just how far he can go, how there is no cap on what he can achieve. I’m not surprised [at his World Cup performances] and neither is anyone in the squad.
“He has taken big key moments in games. You need your best players to stand up and he’s done that in pretty much every game so far.”
