England manager Thomas Tuchel is hopeful that Reece James will be fit enough to feature in the FIFA World Cup 2026 quarter-final against Norway on Saturday, with kick-off scheduled for 22:00 BST.

The news arrives at a critical moment for England, who are navigating a deepening crisis at right-back. Jarell Quansah received a red card in the 54th minute of Sunday's 3-2 victory over Mexico, ruling the Bayern Leverkusen defender out of the next knockout tie in Miami through suspension.

A long-running selection headache

James has been absent from full training since sustaining a hamstring injury during England's second group-stage match against Ghana. He subsequently sat out the fixtures against Panama, DR Congo, and Mexico, leaving Tuchel short of reliable options on the right flank.

The 26-year-old Chelsea captain is widely regarded as England's first-choice right-back, and his potential return to full training this week has offered the camp a welcome boost ahead of the quarter-final.

The scale of England's difficulties on that side of the pitch is illustrated by how many players Tuchel has called upon across five matches. James, Djed Spence, Ezri Konsa, John Stones, Quansah, and midfielder Declan Rice have all filled the right-sided defensive role at various stages of the tournament. Even before the competition began, Tino Livramento was ruled out with a calf injury.

After Quansah's dismissal against Mexico, Konsa — who has started every England match at centre-back — was asked to shift and operate as a right wing-back. Both Konsa and Spence remain available options for Tuchel as he prepares his squad for Saturday's tie.

Should James return to full training this week as anticipated, Tuchel will have his preferred choice restored for what promises to be a demanding clash against Norway.