Declan Rice and Marc Guehi Return to Training Just Before England’s Quarterfinal Against Norway

England got some seriously good news on the eve of their World Cup quarterfinal against Norway in Miami. Declan Rice and Marc Guehi both trained with the team on Thursday, and that’s a massive lift for Thomas Tuchel’s squad.

Guehi had been dealing with a hamstring issue that had people worried. Rice was laid low by a stomach bug after England’s win over Mexico last weekend, and he hadn’t practiced in a couple of days. But there he was at Inter Miami’s training facility, moving around with the group like nothing happened.

Reece James also joined in as he works his way back from his own hamstring problem. The right back looks like he’ll be available for the match, which gives Tuchel even more options on the bench or possibly in the starting lineup.

Only Henderson is out

The one guy missing was Jordan Henderson. He’s recovering from wrist surgery after hurting himself during the celebration of that big win at the Estadio Azteca. Henderson is still in Miami with the squad though, just in a support role while he heals up.

It’s not ideal timing for him personally, but the team seems to be trending in the right direction health-wise as they head into a knockout game.

Back in the Florida heat

England returned to Florida for the first time since their pre-tournament camp, and they felt it. They trained in 33 degree Celsius heat with humidity that made it feel even worse. These are the conditions they knew they’d face eventually, and they’ve been preparing for it. So far in the tournament they’ve played two games indoors and three in rainy weather. This will be a different test.

Norway won’t be an easy out either. They’ve got talent and they’ve been growing into this tournament. But having Rice and Guehi back healthy changes the picture significantly for England. Rice is the engine in midfield and Guehi has been solid at the back. Without them the lineup starts to look thin in key spots.

Tuchel didn’t confirm either player would start against Norway. But just having them on the training pitch and available is a win in itself at this stage of a World Cup.