England could be far from full strength for their 2026 World Cup clash against Norway with two of their key players serious doubts about taking part.

The Three Lions, who are looking to end their 60-year trophy drought, have blown hot and cold in their run to the last eight.

Thomas Tuchel’s side opened up their campaign with an impressive 4-2 victory over Croatia, before coming back down to earth with a 0-0 draw against Ghana. They then beat Panama 2-0 to reach the knockout stages.

England survived a real scare in the last 32 as they scored two late goals to beat DR Congo 2-1, before producing a magnificent display to beat Mexico at the Azteca Stadium to reach the quarter-finals.

A tough tie against Erling Haaland’s Norway awaits, with the match taking place at Miami Stadium on Saturday, July 11. Confidence will be high in the England camp following their morale-boosting victory over Mexico.

However, England could be without two of their star players for the game.

Two Key England Players a Doubt For Norway Match

REUTERS/Paul Childs

Declan Rice has been integral for England this summer. He has started four of England’s five matches and produced some superb displays in those games.

It’s been well known that the Arsenal midfielder has been suffering from a hamstring injury and also a lower back problem, with Thomas Tuchel saying before the match against DR Congo that he was in ‘terrible pain.’

However, to make matters worse, it has now emerged that he has come down with a sickness bug. According to the BBC, this bug has forced Rice to miss training for the past two days. It is believed the bug has exacerbated his existing injuries.

England have taken measures to ensure that the sickness bug does not spread, with Rice isolating away from the rest of the squad.

Norway’s camp were also reportedly hit with a sickness bug ahead of the match against England, but their doctor has since played down those reports.

Marc Guehi is also a ‘serious doubt’, according to Sky Sports. The Manchester City defender was named on the bench for England’s opening match against Croatia but has since started and played the full game in each of their last four matches.

He is believed to have picked up a hamstring injury against Mexico, though, which forced him to miss training on Thursday. Time is running out for the 25-year-old to prove his fitness with the match now just a day away.

Sky add that Dan Burn is pushing to come into the England defence, should Guehi be unavailable. The Newcastle defender was terrific after coming on as a 75th minute substitute against Mexico. John Stones and Trevoh Chalobah are also options to start at centre-back alongside Ezri Konsa for Tuchel.

Reece James could also return for the game against Norway. BBC Sport reported earlier this week that the Chelsea defender was expected to return to training and be in contention.

Alan Shearer Expects Djed Spence To Start at Right-Back

IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters/Brett Davis

Djed Spence has been crticisied for some of his displays throughout the tournament, but he performed well after coming on as a late substitute against Mexico. Alan Shearer believes he should start at right-back over Reece James, even if the Chelsea captain is available.

He said, per the Mirror: “I don’t know the situation with Reece James’ hamstring, but I think it would be extremely harsh on Djed Spence if he didn’t start. I mean, he started left back, he started right back, he then went to left back when he brought him on the other evening and I thought he was outstanding when he came on the other day, as was Dan Burn, as was John Stones.

“But yeah, I mean, it’s amazing, isn’t it, we find ourselves before every single game discussing who’s going to be in the right back position. But my guess would be it would be Djed Spence at right back.”

Zlatan Ibrahimovic couldn’t resist burning Alexi Lalas once again shortly before France and Morocco went head-to-head in the 2026 World Cup quarter-finals on Thursday.

France booked their place in the semi-finals with a 2-0 win over the Moroccans at the Boston Stadium. Kylian Mbappe netted his eighth goal of the tournament despite missing a first-half penalty earlier in the match.

Ousmane Dembele then doubled France’s advantage with 25 minutes remaining. An explanation has since emerged after substitute Brice Samba curiously prevented Michael Olise from joining the celebrations after Les Bleus’ second goal.

Zlatan Mocks Lalas Before France vs Morocco

FOX Sports

Prior to kick-off, viewers in the United States were treated to another amusing interaction between Zlatan and Lalas.

The pair have had beef all tournament, resulting in several moments going viral on social media. While Lalas has often found himself as the butt of Zlatan’s jokes, the former USMNT star did manage to get some revenge last month with a quick-witted jibe at the legendary Swedish striker’s outfit.

Thierry Henry, another pundit working for FOX Sports this summer, has also had his fair share of awkward interactions with Lalas over recent weeks. The pair were involved in a tense exchange over FIFA’s decision to suspend Folarin Balogun’s one-match ban earlier this week.

All three pundits were reunited for the first quarter-final of the 2026 World Cup – and Zlatan immediately took the opportunity to mock Lalas.

The former Barcelona and Manchester United star said: “We’re going to see France enjoy today, they’e going to do their thing against a difficult opponent, and this is the best eight teams in the tournament so far.

“So, let’s see how it plays out, we’re excited, the sun is shining, we are burning from behind, but if you’re as hot as me, you can handle it.”

He then added: “And if you’re as white as Alexi, you cannot handle it, but I’m going to cover you.”

Presenter Rebecca Lowe burst out laughing, while Lalas responded: “I appreciate it, thank you.” Watch the funny clip below:

Viewers enjoyed Ibrahimovic’s latest jibe. One wrote on X (Twitter): “Zlatan roasting Alexi Lalas every chance he gets on live TV will be one of the things I miss the most when this is all over.”

Another person said: “I will never get tired of Lalas being dumped on this entire World Cup. Arrogance being humbled by greatness this entire time.”

A third viewer commented: “Zlatan has had Rebecca laughing all month LMAO,” while a fourth added:

A fifth simply wrote: “Never change Zlatan.”

Argentina and England could be on a collision course for a World Cup semi-final meeting if they can get past Switzerland and Norway, respectively. That’s a big task, but tensions appear to be building between the two nations already.

The two high-ranked FIFA countries have an infamous history on the football pitch, especially at the World Cup. They met on the biggest stage in 1986, with Diego Maradona’s ‘Hand of God’ stealing the headlines, before David Beckham’s controversial red card broke English hearts in 1998.

As two passionate footballing nations, it can be expected that the action on the pitch will be just as fierce as that off it. It’s already been sparked by a chant Argentina players were filmed belting out after their Round of 16 win vs Egypt.

Argentina Taunt England After World Cup Win

REUTERS/Amanda Perobelli

After controversially sealing a 3-2 comeback win against the African giants, La Albiceleste celebrated with great emotion. Lionel Messi, who was vital in the comeback, could be seen in tears after full-time. Meanwhile, others got into some heated confrontations with Egypt players over some questionable refereeing decisions.

Footage has now emerged from the Argentine dressing room immediately after they progressed to the last eight. It showed many players signing a chant which references the Falkland Islands.

The song, called ‘La Cuarta Estrella’, has become popular among supporters in recent times. Enzo Fernandez and Emi Martinez are among those who could be spotted singing along in a viral social media video.

The chant goes: “I am Argentine from cradle to grave, for the Malvinas, for Diego, for Leo’s final chapter. I am a supporter of the national team, I cheer it on with all my heart.

“We won the third title with Lionel, and we want to be champions once again.”

All very harmless so far. But the next few lines mention ‘the trophy taken’ from Diego Maradona in 1994, when he was banned for failing a drugs test, and the Malvinas, also known as the Falkland Islands.

The part English fans could take issue with is the ‘Malvinas’ mention as the two countries fought for the Falklands in 1982, with over 900 people dying in the process. Tensions remain surrounding the matter, despite Argentina surrendering all those years ago.

FIFA declined to comment when contacted by Daily Mail Spor. However, it is believed they will take no action against the Argentines. That is despite the sport’s global governing body stating that it strictly prohibits political chanting, slogans, and banners inside tournament venues.

Piers Morgan Slams Argentina For Dressing Room Chant

Andrew Couldridge via Reuters

Among those to take issue with the chant was British journalist and media personality Piers Morgan. Taking to X (formerly Twitter), the 61-year-old posted: “Is that the same Falklands they tried to seize until our magnificent armed forces kicked their asses out again?”

He won’t be the only one with an axe to grind with the Argentinians if both teams reach the semi-finals. Expect it to be one of the most intense atmospheres at a World Cup game for many years if it does happen.