James expected to return for Norway quarter-final
Retold by Oddsrama · 6 July 2026
England's defensive woes at right-back have taken a small turn for the better ahead of Saturday's World Cup quarter-final against Norway in Miami. Manager Thomas Tuchel believes Reece James, the Chelsea captain, will be fit enough to return after missing four straight matches with a hamstring strain. The 26-year-old has been a constant injury doubt since picking up the problem during the group stage clash with Ghana, but there's growing optimism he could rejoin full training this week and be available for the knockout tie.
The timing couldn't be better for England. Jarell Quansah was sent off during Sunday's dramatic 3-2 victory over Mexico, leaving Tuchel short-handed for the quarter-final showdown. This suspension forces the manager's hand, and James's potential return removes at least one headache from an already stretched backline. The England boss has been forced to shuffle through a makeshift parade of defensive options—Djed Spence, Ezri Konsa (who ended the Mexico game as a right wing-back despite his centre-back role), John Stones, and even midfielder Declan Rice have filled gaps at various points.
If James does get the green light, punters should expect England to steady their defence. His absence has left a noticeable gap in the team's organisation on the right flank, and betting on England's defensive stability could shift favourably with their first-choice right-back back in the fold. While Konsa and Spence remain backup options, having James available gives Tuchel genuine choice and the kind of personnel depth a World Cup quarter-finalist needs.
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