England on red alert: Key players walk suspension tightrope as injuries lurk

So far, things have been going according to plan for England at the 2026 World Cup. The Three Lions won their group, advanced to the knockout phase, and successfully cleared two hurdles in their quest for glory.

As if the group stage featuring Croatia, Ghana, and Panama, followed by clashes against DR Congo and Mexico in the knockout stage, wasn't challenging enough, Thomas Tuchel's men face an even tougher quarter-final showdown against Norway and the merciless Erling Haaland.

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And preparations for the match against the Vikings aren't going smoothly, with a cloud of concern hanging over the German tactician.

Declan Rice, Marc Guehi, and Reece James missed yesterday's training session and trained individually, though the Arsenal midfielder and Manchester City center-back are expected to be fit for the quarter-finals.

At the same time, the tournament is over for Jordan Henderson, who underwent surgery after suffering a bizarre arm fracture in the aftermath of the win over Mexico.

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However, minor injuries are an ever-present danger, and every coach has to cope with them. Potential suspensions are the real headache for Tuchel.

Given that accumulated yellow cards will be wiped out before the semi-finals, as many as four England starters are in danger of being suspended for the match against either Argentina or Switzerland if the Three Lions get past Norway.

Jude Bellingham earned a booking early in the game against DR Congo, as did Declan Rice five days later against Mexico, picking up one of the earliest yellow cards in World Cup history, less than a minute into the game.

The fierce clash against the co-hosts came at an even higher cost, as Marc Guehi and Nico O'Reilly were also booked, while Jarell Quansah was sent off, and he's definitely ruled out of the encounter with Haaland and Co.

Therefore, the Three Lions will have to match Norway's physicality and intensity, but they'll also need to be cautious, as several of their key players are walking a suspension tightrope.

WORLD CUP - KNOCKOUT STAGE

Quarter-finals

Thursday

23.00: (1.60) France (4.00) Morocco (6.20)

Friday

22.00: (1.65) Spain (4.00) Belgium (5.50)

Sunday

00.00: (4.00) Norway (3.70) England (1.90)

04.00: (1.75) Argentina (3.50) Switzerland (5.50)

***odds are subject to change***