Will Declan Rice Start for England Against Norway at the 2026 World Cup? What's Going On?

The Arsenal midfielder has not been at full fitness, raising doubts over whether he'll be available for England's World Cup quarterfinal.

There is growing concern inside England's camp, although the coaching staff is trying to keep everyone calm.

Declan Rice has missed two consecutive full training sessions, instead working individually at the team's base in Kansas City, raising alarm ahead of England's 2026 FIFA World Cup quarterfinal against Norway in Miami.

The Arsenal midfielder's absence from group training has fueled speculation about either an injury or an illness, but the England national team has yet to officially disclose the reason behind his modified workload.

QUESTIONS SURROUND RICE

After head coach Thomas Tuchel gave the squad a day off following England's dramatic 3-2 victory over Mexico at the Estadio Azteca, the Three Lions returned to training at Swope Soccer Village with several notable absences.

Rice, Reece James and Marc Guéhi all followed individualized training programs, while Jordan Henderson has been ruled out for the remainder of the tournament after suffering a fractured left arm.

According to British outlets including the Daily Mail and the BBC, Rice is dealing with a viral infection, possibly gastroenteritis. He has reportedly been isolated from the rest of the squad while recovering to avoid spreading the illness.

The midfielder had also been managing discomfort in his right hamstring and lower back before the match against Mexico, adding to concerns over his fitness.

Rice's situation is especially significant given his importance to England's setup. The Arsenal star has started every World Cup match and provides defensive balance, ball progression and leadership in midfield.

At this stage, he has not been ruled out of the quarterfinal. If he makes a full recovery, he is expected to return to the starting lineup against Norway. Otherwise, he is likely to begin the match on the bench and could be introduced as a substitute, with Kobbie Mainoo expected to start in his place.

Adding to the speculation, Rice was noticeably absent from the team's travel video to Miami, where he did not appear alongside his teammates. While England has offered no official explanation, the footage has only fueled rumors surrounding his condition.

DEFENSIVE HEADACHES FOR TUCHEL

Beyond Rice, England's biggest concerns are in defense.

Reece James has been struggling with a hamstring issue since the goalless draw against Ghana and remains a major doubt for the quarterfinal. His situation is compounded by Jarell Quansah's suspension following his red card against Mexico, while Tino Livramento had already been ruled out through injury.

The mounting absences leave Tuchel with difficult decisions at right back, a position that had already been under scrutiny following Trent Alexander-Arnold's omission from England's World Cup squad.

England heads into the quarterfinals with momentum after eliminating Mexico, but the fitness of several key players could prove decisive in the team's hopes of keeping its World Cup run alive.