GUEHI'S GONE FROM HAMMY TO HERO! The injury woes that had threatened to derail their World Cup quest are slowly being erased as three of England's top stars return to training ahead of their quarter-final showdown with Norway. Marc Guehi, Declan Rice, and Reece James were all back in action at Inter Miami on Friday, bringing a much-needed boost to manager Thomas Tuchel's squad.
The trio had been forced out by hamstring injuries – a common theme among the Three Lions' most valuable assets. Guehi, a rock-solid central defender, had been nursing his own hamstring issue, while Rice, England's metronomic midfielder, had been laid low by a stomach bug following their last-16 victory over Mexico. James, the mercurial right-back, had missed the previous three matches with his own hamstring woes – but he was back in the mix, suggesting his recovery is on track.
One absentee from training was Jordan Henderson, who's still nursing a wrist injury sustained during the celebrations after their Estadio Azteca triumph over Mexico. His absence will be felt, but the return of Guehi, Rice, and James gives Tuchel more options to consider – and a chance to tinker with his tactics ahead of the Norway clash.
Manager Thomas Tuchel was naturally thrilled by the news, saying, "We've got everyone available for training, which is always good. The only exception is our suspended player Jarell Quansah, who's serving a two-match ban after being sent off for 'serious foul play' against Mexico." Quansah, a versatile defender, received his marching orders following a VAR review of his challenge – and will now sit out the next two games.
The return to fitness of these key players is music to the ears of England's fans – and their coaching staff. It gives them increased tactical flexibility and depth as they head into the quarter-finals against Norway, where a win could set up a mouth-watering semi-final showdown. Bring it on, Three Lions!