Thomas Tuchel makes decision on England’s starting right-back for Norway amid Jarell Quansah ban

Jul 9, 2026 - 18:45

Djed Spence is in pole position to start England’s World Cup quarter-final with Norway, providing he can prove he is fully fit, talkSPORT understands.

Thomas Tuchel has yet another right-back crisis with Jarell Quansah suspended and Reece James still battling to be ready to play 90 minutes.

Djed Spence in action against Mexico — Spence is in line to be named in Tuchel’s line-up against Norway on Saturday

The right-back issue has proven to be a major issue for the Three Lions in North America so far.

What issues have England had at right-back?

James started in each of England’s opening two Group L matches, but hasn’t graced the pitch since the draw with Ghana on June 23.

talkSPORT reported two weeks ago how the Chelsea captain was dealing with another hamstring issue, which could rule him out of the knockouts.

To make the situation worse for Tuchel, his back-up Quansah, who has started twice in the global tournament, is suspended for the clash with Norway after being shown a straight red card against Mexico in the last-16.

He has since had his one-game ban extended to two, meaning he will miss the semi-finals should England beat Norway.

England’s issue in the position first started on the eve of their opener against Croatia, with Tino Livramento forced to withdraw from the squad with a calf issue, which required him to go under the knife.

Spence is now poised to be recalled to the line-up by Tuchel, having started two times at the World Cup so far.

His first start came in the 0-0 draw against Ghana – slotting in at left-back.

He then came into the team at right-back for England’s 2-1 comeback win over DR Congo in the round of 32.

Spence is one of nine England players to have featured in every match of the global tournament so far.

Djed Spence's World Cup stats so far — Spence has started twice and come off the bench three times for England at the 2026 World Cup

England team news ahead of Norway

Sources suggest Tuchel is reluctant to break up the partnership between Ezri Konsa and Marc Guehi to move Konsa to right-back.

Declan Rice trained away from the main group of players on Wednesday, but that is believed to be precautionary.

In what has been a hectic 2025/26 season for the Arsenal midfielder, the 27-year-old has played in 66 games for club and country.

And England legend Stuart Pearce has told talkSPORT that Tuchel should consider leaving Rice out of his line-up against Norway.

It’s no secret that Rice, who has been battling nerve pain in his hamstring since December, has been playing through the pain in North America.

Tuchel revealed last week how the ex-West Ham skipper requested to be taken off in the victory over DR Congo.

Declan Rice looks dejected after England's goalless draw with Ghana — Rice has been struggling for fitness, but is likely to still retain his place in England’s starting XI

Rice missed England’s final Group L clash against Panama due to a calf injury he picked up in the 0-0 draw with Ghana, while he limped off during his side’s 4-2 opening win against Croatia.

Looking to England’s front three, it is very possible Tuchel sticks with the rest of the team that started England’s epic 3-2 win over Mexico.

Both Bukayo Saka and Anthony Gordon impressed having been brought into the side for Noni Madueke and Marcus Rashford respectively.

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