England have received a timely fitness boost with Reece James expected to be available for their World Cup quarter-final against Norway.
The Chelsea right-back has been sidelined with a hamstring problem throughout much of the tournament, missing matches against Panama, DR Congo, and Mexico.
James did make it back to the bench for the Mexico game, though manager Thomas Tuchel opted against bringing the 26-year-old on during that fixture.
His return could not come at a better time for England, with Jarrell Quansah suspended for the Norway clash following his red card against Mexico.
Tuchel will be relieved to have an experienced right-back option available as England prepare for one of their toughest tests of the tournament so far.
The Norwegian side present a significant challenge in the last eight, making the availability of a player of James’s quality all the more important for the Three Lions.
However, the news is far less positive when it comes to Jordan Henderson, who appears set to miss the remainder of the World Cup through injury.
The Brentford midfielder suffered a bizarre injury while celebrating England’s victory over Mexico, appearing to damage his arm climbing over advertising hoardings during the post-match scenes.
The 36-year-old has shown remarkable longevity throughout his career and has remained part of the England setup even as his starting opportunities have become less frequent in recent times.
Given his age, this tournament exit could potentially signal the end of his international career, though Henderson has consistently defied expectations across the years.
It would be a cruel way for any chapter to close, having picked up the injury not in action on the pitch but during what should have been a moment of pure celebration.
England will now push forward toward their quarter-final without Henderson’s experience in midfield, placing greater responsibility on the other players in that area of the pitch.
Tuchel and his coaching staff will be assessing the full picture carefully as they prepare the squad for what promises to be a demanding encounter against Norway.
