England have been rocked by a potential double World Cup blow with Marc Guehi and Declan Rice both reported to be doubts for the quarter-final against Norway.
Guehi has missed training this week as he nurses a sore hamstring after the dramatic win over Mexico, while Rice – who has had his own injury issues of late – has been kept away from the squad with illness amid fears a bug could spread. England are due to train again late on Friday, match eve, in Miami, with Thomas Tuchel facing a few selection headaches. Jarell Quansah has already been ruled out of the last-eight clash after receiving a two-match ban for his red card.
The disruption comes with England gearing up for a meeting with a Norwegian side that knocked out Brazil in their last outing, and rowing along a wave of positivity at this tournament. Star striker Erling Haaland is in red-hot form and has declared the pressure firmly on Tuchel’s team – and may fancy his chances of exploiting a remodelled backline...
Follow all of the latest ahead of the World Cup quarter-final with our live blog below:
Read MoreJarell Quansah banned for two World Cup matches by Fifa after red card against Mexico
How should England line-up against Norway? Our writers pick their XIs for World Cup quarter-final
Erling Haaland ramps up mind games with England before World Cup quarter-final
World Cup LIVE
- England fretting over fitness of two key figures ahead of Norway quarter-final
- Marc Guehi (hamstring) and Declan Rice (illness) have emerged as doubts for last-eight clash
- Jarell Quansah ruled out of encounter after receiving two match ban for red card
- Norway's Erling Haaland declares pressure on England ahead of Miami meeting on Saturday
- France through to semi-finals after impressive win over Morocco
Erling Haaland is Norway’s humble hero – and England might not be able to stop him
17:00 , Miguel DelaneyThere have been a few times at Norway’s World Cup base in North Carolina when Erling Haaland has noticed kids playing football nearby, often in a World Cup shirt or a club like Manchester City. In other words, they’d know who he was, they just didn’t know he was there. Haaland would then kick a ball back, to the absolute delight of the children. Some joked they still showed better awareness than Gabriel, beaten in the air by his Premier League rival for the opener against Brazil.
The two scenes sum up Haaland’s World Cup so far. Off the pitch, a childlike joy. On it, a shark-like seriousness.
Erling Haaland is Norway’s humble hero – and England might not be able to stop him
England’s World Cup run could boost UK economy by £7.6bn as 6.7m set to watch Norway clash in pubs
16:35 , Karl MatchettEngland's World Cup run could deliver a £7.6bn boost to the UK economy, with pubs, bars, restaurants and retailers enjoying a spending surge as millions of fans prepare to watch the Three Lions' quarter-final clash against Norway.
England’s World Cup run could boost UK economy by £7.6bn
England fans in Miami react to Quansah's suspension
16:20 , Harry Latham-CoyleWhy was Jarell Quansah banned for two games?
16:15 , Harry Latham-CoyleAfter the Folarin Balogun saga, it was with slight surprise that news arrived of Jarell Quansah’s expanded two-match ban for his red card. Will Castle explains:
Jarell Quansah banned for two World Cup matches by Fifa after red card against Mexico
World Cup 2026 statistics: What the numbers reveal about the quarter-finalists
16:00 , Lawrence OstlereWho has taken more shots than Kylian Mbappe? Who has run further than Harry Kane? Who has pressed more than Elliot Anderson? Here is a look at some of the standout statistics from the last eight’s first five games at the World Cup.
World Cup 2026 statistics: What the numbers reveal about the quarter-finalists
HAVE YOUR SAY: Predict the England vs Norway score
15:31 , Harry Latham-CoyleMiguel Delaney answers your questions on Fifa’s crisis – from Infantino’s grip on power to a possible Uefa breakaway
15:15 , Harry Latham-CoyleAhead of a huge weekend, our chief football writer Miguel Delaney answers readers' questions on the Balogun row, ticket pricing, the Blatter comparison, and whether this World Cup could be the breaking point Fifa can't recover from:
Miguel Delaney answers your questions on the World Cup crisis engulfing Fifa
How should England line-up against Norway? Our writers pick their XIs for World Cup quarter-final
15:00 , Harry Latham-CoyleIt’ll be another tricky selection for Thomas Tuchel and his staff as the England manager considers how best to combat Erling Haaland. Our writers have gathered to try and give him a helping hand with their suggested XIs – though Marc Guehi’s potential absence could change things.
How should England line-up against Norway? XIs for World Cup quarter-final
Miami Heat
14:45 , PANo, not the NBA team – one of the biggest talking points before the tournament was how England would have to cope in the heat, but they have played five games where it has not been an issue.
They played indoors twice and then had inclement weather in Boston, New York and Mexico City.
While they have been training in searing conditions in Kansas City, they now return to the tropical heat of Florida, where temperatures will feel above 40 degrees Celsius.
Sir Keir Starmer wishes England luck ahead of World Cup quarter-final
14:30 , Athena StavrouSir Keir Starmer has said he will be “glued to the action” as he wished the England team goof luck ahead of tomorrow’s match against Norway.
Downing Street said the prime minister would be watching the game from his country house Chequers, where he would be cheering on the team “from the first whistle to the last”.
“The prime minister wishes Thomas Tuchel, Harry Kane, and the entire England squad the very best of luck ahead of tomorrow's match against Norway,” his spokesperson said. “The victory against Mexico showed exactly what this team is about. And when the pressure was on, they showed resilience, belief, and the and the determination to fight for every ball and every opportunity.
”And the prime minister will be glued to the action from Chequers, cheering on the three lions alongside millions of fans across the country from the first whistle to the last, and hoping England can take another step towards World Cup glory.”
Will England get a Bank Holiday if team wins the World Cup? Potential date revealed ahead of Norway quarter-final
14:10 , Bryony GoochThe government is considering an extra bank holiday to celebrate an England victory as the World Cup final is set to take place next Sunday.
It is understood that Friday 24 July has been earmarked for a celebratory bank holiday if England wins the tournament 60 years after its first and only World Cup victory.
The prime minister appeared reticent to confirm a bank holiday when asked about the potential celebration at the Nato summit in Ankara, but he hinted it was on the cards.
Will England get a Bank Holiday if team wins the World Cup?
Demand surges for Miami hotels ahead of England v Norway World Cup match
13:51 , Harry Latham-CoyleDemand for accommodation in Miami has surged ahead of the England v Norway World Cup match on Saturday. Amelia Neath reports:
Demand surges for Miami hotels ahead of England v Norway World Cup match
Who is Clement Turpin? Norway v England referee for World Cup who angered Thomas Tuchel
13:35 , Harry Latham-CoyleThe officials have been in the spotlight over the last few days, but Clement Turpin has plenty of experience and pedigree – even if Thomas Tuchel isn’t a fan...
Who is Norway v England referee Clement Turpin?
Norway World Cup chaos continues as squad switch Miami hotels before England clash
13:15 , Michael JonesNorway have faced a bit of disruption ahead of the quarter-final, with an enforced change of hotel in Miami following a few worries over illness.
Norway World Cup chaos continues as squad switch Miami hotels before England clash
WATCH: Why England should be scared of Norway
12:45 , Adam CleryCould Norway provide England’s toughest test so far? It’s not just Erling Haaland that they need to worry about...
England assistant says it is time for Tuchel's team to 'take the handbrake off'
12:30 , Harry Latham-CoyleAssistant manager Anthony Barry says it is time for England to take the handbrake off as Thomas Tuchel’s side head into the World Cup clash against Norway with a full tank and their foot on the gas.
Argentina or Switzerland await the victor on Wednesday in Atlanta, where England started the knockouts by surviving a scare in the 2-1 comeback win against the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Tuchel’s side then overcame hostility, altitude and a red card to beat co-hosts Mexico in Sunday’s 3-2 last-16 thriller and there is belief that the best it yet to come.
“We believe that the petrol tank is full, the foot is on the gas, and now maybe we just need to take the handbrake off,” England assistant Barry told talkSPORT.
“Sometimes that can happen with the opponents that we’re facing, sometimes maybe that will happen when they really see the light at the end of the tunnel.
“There’s only 11 days left and now is the time to take the handbrake off and go all in.
“We think that the public and everyone has seen so many good faces of this team, but we still believe there’s some left to show.
“And if they click, if they become coherent and be able to find a cohesive performance that we think they’re capable of, then it could be pretty exciting to watch.”
Police officer in hospital after Morocco fan disorder in London following World Cup defeat
12:00 , Harry Latham-CoyleFrance’s win over Morocco last night led to disorder in London last night, with four people arrested and a police officer in hospital.
Police officer in hospital after Morocco fan disorder in London
It’s about time Wonderwall usurped Sweet Caroline as England’s football anthem
11:30 , Luke BakerTo blame for Kane’s squeaky voice? Two brothers from Manchester...
Just minutes earlier, the striker had been standing alongside his teammates, bellowing the lyrics to Oasis’s “Wonderwall” along with a jubilant crowd, as has become tradition.
“It’s hard work that singing Harry Kane,” tweeted Liam Gallagher, after the footage went viral. Hard work, yes – but, if England keep progressing, there could be a lot more singing in store.
And Louis Chilton argues that it’s time for “Wonderwall” to usurp the heinously peppy “Sweet Caroline” by Neil Diamond as the people’s anthem
It’s about time Wonderwall usurped Sweet Caroline as England’s football anthem
‘Unbelievable support!’: The inside story of the viral Harry Kane interview, told by presenter Kelly Somers
11:13 , Luke BakerThe Independent is celebrating the greatest TV moments of the year so far, from the ones that got the nation talking to the scenes that moved us or made us laugh.
In a series of articles running this summer, insiders share the part they played in making them happen and BBC presenter Kelly Somers has chatted to Jessie Thompson about that viral Harry Kane interview after England’s win over Mexico where the England captain suddenly became all squeaky...
‘It’s been crazy’: BBC presenter on hilarious aftermath of Harry Kane interview
The exception to the Falklands rule
11:00 , Luke BakerAn interesting nugget at the end of Kieran Jackson’s piece, highlighting the exception to the Falklands rule.
Argentine referee Horacio Elizondo took charge of England’s infamous World Cup defeat to Portugal in the 2006 quarter-finals. The match is memorable for Wayne Rooney’s controversial red card after an incident with Ricardo Carvalho (and Cristiano Ronaldo’s subsequent wink).
Fifa were unable to confirm why their current guidance surrounding the Falklands War was not in place 20 years ago.
Why the Falklands War is a factor in World Cup refereeing appointments
10:45 , Luke BakerA fascinating piece by Kieran Jackson on the whys and wherefores of the referee appointment process at this World Cup.
He delves into how a referee is selected for each match and a Fifa spokesperson even confirmed that the 1982 Falklands War is a factor in appointments.
An English official would not be appointed to an Argentina game nor a game which has a direct next-game consequence for Argentina, and vice-versa as the Falklands War is still considered a politically sensitive topic. Remarkable stuff really
Is Falklands War a factor? The politics at play for World Cup refereeing appointments
How a box-office World Cup descended into fury and farce to leave Fifa with a huge problem
10:30 , Harry Latham-CoyleIt’s been a weird week of fury and farce at the World Cup – which has rather distracted from some mightily fine football matches. Miguel Delaney explains why Fifa now has a huge problem.
How a box-office World Cup descended into fury and farce
Listen to the latest episode of Copa Independent
10:15 , Harry Latham-CoyleOn the latest edition of our World Cup podcast, Lawrence Ostlere is joined by Miguel Delaney, Richard Jolly and Kieran Jackson to react to France’s 2-0 win over Morocco, with Kylian Mbappé central again to an imperious performance. After looking ahead to Friday's quarter final of Spain vs Belgium, they preview England v Norway in the Miami heat and humidity, debating Tuchel’s selection—especially John Stones and Reece James—how to limit Erling Haaland, and whether England could realistically hope to beat France or Spain in a final should they get that far, before giving score predictions.
Why Lionel Messi can’t lead Argentina to win this World Cup (on his own)
10:00 , Harry Latham-CoyleAre Argentina actually any good? It’s a complex question. Richard Jolly outlines why even Lionel Messi can’t win a World Cup on his own.
Why Lionel Messi can’t lead Argentina to win this World Cup (on his own)
World Cup 2026: Quarter-final fixtures, results and full tournament bracket
09:45 , Harry Latham-CoyleHere’s a reminder of the full tournament bracket as we reach the pointy end of this World Cup:
World Cup 2026: Quarter-final fixtures, results and full tournament bracket
Forget Lamine Yamal and Pedri – why impenetrable Spain are built on a rock-solid defence
09:30 , Harry Latham-CoyleSpain will look to set up a mouthwatering encounter with France when they take on Belgium later today. The temptation is to focus on Lamine Yamal, Pedri and. co., but Kieran Jackson explains why the European champions’ campaign has been built on an impenetrable defence.
Forget Yamal and Pedri – why impenetrable Spain are built on a rock-solid defence
Mbappe lays down latest challenge to Messi as France continue march towards history
09:15 , Harry Latham-CoyleAlready into the World Cup’s final four are France, uber-impressive in beating Morocco. Richard Jolly was there.
Mbappe lays down latest challenge to Messi as France continue march towards history
When do yellow cards reset at the World Cup? All the England players on bookings before Norway game
09:00 , Alex PattleAmid injuries and other issues, it’s probably worth a refresh on the yellow card rules at this tournament – and the England players at risk of a World Cup ban.
When do yellow cards reset at the World Cup? All the England players on bookings
Dan Burn reveals guilt over Jordan Henderson’s freak World Cup injury: ‘I killed him a bit’
08:50 , Harry Latham-CoyleDan Burn does feel a little bit guilty, though, about the moment of misfortune that befell Jordan Henderson in the wild World Cup celebrations that followed the Mexico win. Chris Wilson explains why.
Dan Burn reveals guilt over Jordan Henderson’s freak World Cup injury
Could Dan Burn start?
08:40 , Harry Latham-CoyleDan Burn was very, very good off the bench for England against Mexico, with the massive Newcastle defender putting his body in harm’s way on several occasions. He has a good record against Erling Haaland, too – if Marc Guehi is out, it may be that a start arrives for the six-foot-seven centre half.
Nico O'Reilly dismisses Erling Haaland comments as 'mind games'
08:25 , Harry Latham-CoyleNico O’Reilly knows Erling Haaland is playing mind games by saying England are “clear favourites” to win their World Cup quarter-final with Norway.
O’Reilly will come up against his Manchester City team-mate in Saturday’s last-eight tie in Miami – a clash Haaland says England should expect to win.
Keeping Haaland quiet will be key to that, but O’Reilly knows there is more to the Scandanavians, who are in the quarter-finals of the World Cup.
Asked about the striker’s comments, he said: “Yeah, mind games.
“But they’re a good team as well. They’ve showed that throughout the whole tournament. It’s not just certain players that we need to worry about. They’re good collectively, and it’s going to be a good game.”
Erling Haaland puts pressure on England ahead of quarter-final
08:15 , Harry Latham-CoyleNorway striker Erling Haaland has told the media they “should put every single pressure on the English lads” ahead of Saturday’s World Cup quarter-final with England.
Haaland has spearheaded Norway’s first run to the last eight of the global tournament, scoring seven goals in five appearances as he has proved himself on the biggest stage.
The Manchester City striker, who was born in Leeds, will come up against some familiar faces in what he calls a “special game”, but he was keen to put all the pressure on Thomas Tuchel’s men.
Asked how he rated Norway’s chances of winning the World Cup, Haaland told reporters in Miami: “Still really low.
“I think there’s some clear favourites out there, England’s one of them. I think all of you should put every single pressure on the English lads.”
Erling Haaland ramps up mind games with England before World Cup quarter-final
Bukayo Saka insists he’s ‘ready to go’ after battling Achilles issue at World Cup
08:00 , Harry Latham-CoyleThere is better news for England with Bukayo Saka declaring himself “ready to go” after a niggling Achilles issue at the World Cup.
Bukayo Saka insists he’s ‘ready to go’ after battling Achilles issue at World Cup
How should England line-up against Norway? Our writers pick their XIs for World Cup quarter-final
07:50 , Harry Latham-CoyleIt’ll be another tricky selection for Thomas Tuchel and his staff as the England manager considers how best to combat Erling Haaland. Our writers have gathered to try and give him a helping hand with their suggested XIs – though Marc Guehi’s potential absence could change things.
How should England line-up against Norway? XIs for World Cup quarter-final
Jarell Quansah banned for two games
07:40 , Harry Latham-CoyleOne defender definitely out of the World Cup quarter-final is Jarell Quansah, banned for two matches after his red card against Mexico. Will Castle has the full story:
Jarell Quansah banned for two World Cup matches by Fifa after red card against Mexico
England facing defensive headaches?
07:30 , Harry Latham-CoyleReece James is also facing a race against time to prove his fitness for the last-eight clash as the right-back works back from his own hamstring injury. Would England risk both he and Marc Guehi if not fully fit? Plenty to mull for Thomas Tuchel.
Marc Guehi and Declan Rice emerge as doubts
07:25 , Harry Latham-CoyleWidespread reports last night suggest that England are concerned particularly over the fitness of Marc Guehi, who has a slight hamstring strain that is nonetheless concerning before a meeting with club colleague Erling Haaland.
Declan Rice, too, has been kept away from the rest of the squad as he deals with an illness amid fears of it spreading.
World Cup LIVE
06:58 , Harry Latham-CoyleAnother day at the World Cup dawns with England fretting over the fitness of two more key figures. Reports suggest that both Marc Guehi and Declan Rice are doubts for the quarter-final against Norway – giving Thomas Tuchel yet more to worry about amid some significant selection headaches.
We’ll have all of the latest as the quarter-finals continue throughout the day.
