Despite Quansah's absence, Tuchel received a significant boost ahead of the quarter-final after confirming that Declan Rice, Marc Guehi, and Reece James were all available for selection. Rice had been recovering from illness after the Mexico match, whilst Guehi missed a training session earlier this week with a hamstring concern. James also returned to training after recovering from the hamstring injury he sustained during England's group-stage match against Ghana. Tuchel noted during his pre-match press conference that having everyone available in training was the best news, giving him a full squad to choose from apart from the suspended Quansah.
Reflecting on England's progress in the tournament, Tuchel insisted his side had quickly turned its focus to the challenge posed by Norway. He remarked that while they took a big step in their last match, it was only a single step. He added that the team remains hungry, with dreams and a significant goal to play for, meaning everything that matters is now ahead of them.
England head into the quarter-final on the back of three consecutive victories, including their hard-fought win over Mexico despite playing much of the second half with 10 men. Jude Bellingham scored twice in that contest, whilst Harry Kane added the decisive penalty. Norway, meanwhile, arrive full of confidence after stunning five-time champions Brazil 2-1 in the Round of 16. Erling Haaland struck twice as Stale Solbakken's side reached the World Cup quarter-finals for the first time in the nation's history. The winners of Saturday's clash at the Hard Rock Stadium will advance to the semi-finals, where either defending champions Argentina or Switzerland await.
Also read: France knock out Morocco, advance to semifinals
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