England receive timely fitness boost ahead of Norway World Cup quarter-final

MIAMI: England head coach Thomas Tuchel has confirmed he has a near fully fit squad available for Saturday's FIFA World Cup quarter-final against Norway, with suspended defender Jarell Quansah remaining the only absentee.

There had been concerns after Declan Rice, Marc Guehi and Reece James trained separately from the main group on Thursday.

However, all three returned to full training on Friday, while Jordan Henderson, who suffered a broken arm in a post-match accident following England's last-16 victory over Mexico, was the only player not involved.

Tuchel said England have a near full-strength squad as they continue their bid to reach the World Cup semi-finals.

"It's the best news. We had everyone available in training which we of course like," Tuchel said.

"We have the full choice except for our suspended player, so that's the good news.

"I think we took a big step in our last match, but it was only a step. We're still hungry. We still have dreams, and still have a big goal to play for.

"The next step is to win the quarter-final, it's important to look ahead ... Everything that matters is ahead of us. It is tomorrow."

Tuchel also revealed England have yet to receive an explanation for Quansah's two-match suspension following the defender's red card for a high-studs challenge against Mexico.

The German declined to indicate who would replace Quansah in the starting line-up against Norway.

He also insisted he is not attempting to change England's traditional footballing identity, but rather build on the team's established strengths.

Victory over Norway would send England into the World Cup semi-finals, where they would face either Argentina or Switzerland, with France or Spain potentially awaiting in the final.