James expected to be available as England face right-back dilemma

Reece James is expected to be available for England’s World Cup quarter-final against Norway on Saturday, according to manager Thomas Tuchel. His possible return would address a problem area after Jarell Quansah’s red card against Mexico left him suspended for the next knockout match.

James has not yet resumed full training after a hamstring injury sustained during the group-stage match against Ghana. He subsequently missed England’s fixtures against Panama, DR Congo and Mexico, so his status remains a key point to verify before selection decisions are finalised.

England’s right side has already required several adjustments during the tournament. Quansah’s dismissal in the 3-2 win over Mexico forced Ezri Konsa to finish as a right wing-back, while Djed Spence, John Stones, Declan Rice and others have also been used in right-sided defensive roles at different moments.

Tuchel still has alternatives in Konsa and Spence, but James is described in the source as England’s first-choice right-back. For editors, the main angle is not simply whether he returns, but how much risk England can afford to take with a player coming back from a hamstring problem in a World Cup quarter-final.