England's medical staff are working at maximum urgency to get Reece James ready for Saturday's World Cup quarter-final against Norway, with the Chelsea full-back's hamstring problem threatening to leave Thomas Tuchel critically short of options on the right side of defence.

James has not trained with the squad since straining his hamstring in England's second group-stage match against Ghana, two weeks ago. Rather than head home, he chose to remain with the group, targeting a return in the latter rounds. Encouraging signs emerged on Sunday when he participated in the warm-up at the Azteca Stadium, raising cautious optimism within the camp.

Whether he will be fit enough to feature in Miami, even in a limited capacity, remains uncertain. But with England's right-back situation bordering on desperate, his treatment has been fast-tracked.

England's right-back options

The depth of the crisis is stark. In five matches at this World Cup, England have fielded six different right backs. Djed Spence remains short of full fitness despite coming off the bench against Mexico, while Jarell Quansah is suspended after receiving a red card in the second half of that same match. The Football Association is considering an appeal against Quansah's dismissal, with a decision expected imminently.

Ezri Konsa deputised at right-back in a back five during the Mexico City win and is a leading candidate to start there in a back four against Norway, with John Stones likely moving into central defence.

Henderson ruled out of tournament

England's injury concerns were compounded further by news that Jordan Henderson has been ruled out of the remainder of the World Cup. The Brentford midfielder suffered a serious arm fracture after slipping on the advertising hoardings during the post-match celebrations that followed England's dramatic 3-2 victory over Mexico at the Azteca Stadium.

England's players gathered around Henderson as he received treatment on the pitch. He was subsequently taken to hospital in Mexico City, where he may require surgery, and did not travel with the squad to their training base in Kansas City on Monday.

The 36-year-old had made just one appearance at the tournament — six minutes as a substitute in England's 2-0 Group L win against Panama. He will now play no further part in the competition, regardless of how far England progress.