England are suffering a late selection headache ahead of their World Cup quarter-final against Norway, with key members of Thomas Tuchel’s defense facing a race against time to recover.
The injury is not believed to be serious, but the short time between matches in the finals leaves little room for caution.
The timing is particularly tricky as England prepare to take on Erling Haaland’s Norwegian attack.
Even a minor physical issue could affect the final line-up, as Tuchel wants a defender who is fully fit and able to adapt to Norway’s pace, strength and direct style.
England may be forced to make defensive changes
Sky Sports News’ Rob Dorsett says Mark Gehi, who has suffered a hamstring problem, is rated 50-50 for Saturday’s quarter-final.
The injury itself is not believed to be serious, but England’s medical staff are concerned about whether the player will recover quickly enough.
Dan Byrne claims he could start if Guehi is unavailable.
Guehi had already entered the individual program earlier this week. According to Reuters, the England international trained separately with Declan Rice and Reece James on Wednesday to address some fitness concerns before leaving for Miami.
Tuchel needs to balance risk against Haaland’s threat
England should only start Guehi if he is completely comfortable. Hamstring issues can worsen quickly and it would be a big gamble to play a halfway fit defender against Haaland.
Byrne’s height, fitness and Premier League experience would make him a sensible replacement.
However, changing the established defensive partnership right before such an important match is far from ideal.
Ultimately, Tuchel will have to look beyond Guehi’s reputation and make the safest decision.
England need the strongest team possible and cannot afford to get injured early and effectively play the quarter-finals with 10 men.
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