England handed major World Cup injury boost as two stars set to return vs Norway

England have been handed a significant injury boost ahead of their World Cup quarter-final against Norway. It's been a turbulent few weeks in terms of fitness concerns, with several players having been sidelined for the Three Lions. It all started before a ball had even been kicked, when Tino Livramento was replaced by Trevoh Chalobah on the eve of the tournament.

Reece James also picked up a hamstring injury during the group stages before Djed Spence missed the game against Mexico with a minor problem of his own. After the final whistle at the Azteca Stadium, unused substitute Jordan Henderson suffered a serious wrist injury during the post-match celebrations and was stretchered off while receiving oxygen.

The midfielder has since been ruled out for the remainder of the World Cup, but there is better news elsewhere in the squad.

James is set to return to England contention ahead of this weekend's meeting with Norway, while Spence will also be available, according to BBC Sport.

The former, who is recognised as England's first-choice right-back, is yet to return to full training but is expected to get back into full sessions in the coming days. If everything goes well, there is a chance that he could play against Norway.

England have been dealing with a right-back crisis since Livramento's pre-tournament injury. Spence featured heavily in the group stages but missed out against Mexico, with Jarell Quansah being handed a start.

In the second half, Quansah was shown a straight red card for a studs-up tackle on Jesus Gallardo, potentially leaving England short in the position against Norway.

Ezri Konsa finished the game at right-back and would have been the likely candidate to start against Norway if James and Spence had remained sidelined.

However, the potential return of James will ease England's selection headache on the right side of defence, while Spence could also return to the line-up.

Much will depend on what happens on the training ground over the coming days, with Tuchel unlikely to risk James unless he is fully recovered.

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