England might be getting one of its most physically dominant defenders back just in time for the biggest game of the tournament so far. Reece James, who has been sidelined with a hamstring injury since the group stage, is reportedly closing in on a return for Saturday’s quarterfinal against Norway at Hard Rock Stadium in Florida.
According to The Telegraph, there’s growing optimism inside the England camp that James will be available. He hasn’t played since limping off during the 0-0 draw with Ghana, missing the next three matches against Panama, DR Congo and Mexico. He’s also yet to fully train with the team, but the timeline might work in his favor.
Defensive depth takes a hit
The timing of James’ possible return matters even more now that Jarell Quansah is out. Quansah picked up a red card in Sunday’s wild 3-2 win over Mexico at Estadio Azteca, and that suspension rules him out of the quarterfinal. So England’s back line is suddenly thinner than Thomas Tuchel would like.
Ezri Konsa and Djed Spence are still options at right-back, but neither brings what James does. He’s a brick wall in one-on-one situations, strong in the air and comfortable pushing forward. Against a Norway team that just knocked off Brazil, having that kind of presence on the flank could be huge.
Momentum from a chaotic win
England is riding high after that Mexico game, even if it got a little hairy. Jude Bellingham scored twice early and put the Three Lions in control. Then Quansah got sent off and Mexico made it 2-1. Harry Kane restored the two-goal lead from the penalty spot before giving one back himself — Raul Jimenez converted from the spot to make it 3-2. Mexico pushed hard for the equalizer but England held on.
That kind of win builds belief, but it also exposed some vulnerabilities. Norway will have watched that second half closely.
No official confirmation yet on James’ status. But if he’s cleared, Tuchel gets a major boost at the exact right time. Norway is no joke — they just eliminated Brazil in the round of 16 and they’re not afraid of anyone. England will need every weapon available.
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