James expected to return for Norway quarter-final

England manager Thomas Tuchel expects Reece James to be available for the World Cup quarter-final against Norway on Saturday. James has yet to return to full training after suffering a hamstring injury in the second group match against Ghana, missing the games against Panama, DR Congo, and Mexico. However, there is emerging hope that the 26-year-old can ease England's problems at right-back by returning to full training this week. Tuchel's right-back crisis intensified after Jarell Quansah's red card in Sunday's 3-2 win over Mexico, meaning the Bayer Leverkusen defender is suspended for the next knockout tie in Miami. Over five matches, James, Djed Spence, Ezri Konsa, John Stones, Quansah, and midfielder Declan Rice have all appeared as right-sided defenders at various points, while Tino Livramento suffered a calf injury in the build-up to the tournament. Konsa and Spence remain options for Tuchel, but the expected availability of James is welcome news given the Chelsea captain is recognized as England's first-choice right-back.