England are sweating on the fitness of some key personnel ahead of their crunch World Cup quarter-final with Norway including right-back Reece James who has a hamstring issue21:13, 09 Jul 2026Updated 21:41, 09 Jul 2026Reece James is hoping to be fit for the World Cup quarter final with Norway.‌Chelsea defender James has been struggling with a hamstring injury but has stepped up his recovery work in the last few days. James wants to prove his fitness ahead of the showdown in Miami but it would still be a huge gamble for England to start him.‌The right back has missed the last three games but hopes to make the squad and be ready to pay at least part of the game with Norway.‌That would still be a boost for England who have already lost Jarell Quansah after the Bayer Leverkusen defender was given a two match ban by FIFA after his sending-off against Mexico.It looks as if England boss Thomas Tuchel will probably have to use Djed Spence as a right back after being reluctant to break up the central defensive partnership of Marc Guehi and Ezri Konsa.However, Guehi missed training this week with muscle fatigue after the Mexico last 16 tie. That will be a concern ahead of the Norway tie. Declan Rice also sat out training on Wednesday but they trained behind closed doors on Thursday with James hoping to prove this fitness ahead of Saturday.‌Meanwhile, Bukayo Saka has declared himself fit and ready to boost England's chances of World Cup glory.The Arsenal winger, who has been battling an Achilles' issue, said ahead of this weekend's crunch quarter-final against Norway: "I think across the tournament my minutes have been building and building.‌"Of course, I would love to come into this tournament 100%, but that wasn't the case and everyone's realised that and they've managed me in the best way possible. But right now I'm feeling great and ready to go."Saka assisted Jude Bellingham's opener in Mexico but he is yet to complete 90 minutes for the Three Lions at this tournament.That doesn't bother him though as his mindset has now shifted. His primary focus is impacting the game in whatever minutes he's handed by Thomas Tuchel.‌He continued: "Each game has been unique for me, but my mindset doesn't really change much. I come on whether I start or play. I just try and do what the game needs, whether it needs a goal, whether it needs the team to defend, whatever it needs. Today it's about winning. That's my mindset."Overcoming the odds at the Azteca was undoubtedly a historic moment for this England side. But now there's determination to follow that up in Miami and Saka has moved to restore a sense of calm following the ecstacy in Mexico City.‌He added: "We discussed that we need to put the drama and the emotions of the Mexico game behind us now."We took in all the praise and everything that came with it, but now we need to focus on Norway, which is going to be another tough challenge, a different challenge, like you said. We're fully focused and positive that we'll win on Saturday."Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.Article continues belowContent cannot be displayed without consent