Guehi and Stones set to start for England in World Cup quarter-final

Image source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Club-mates Marc Guehi and John Stones last started together in England's World Cup warm-up against New Zealand in JuneBySami MokbelSenior football correspondent at Miami StadiumPublished11 July 2026, 19:15 BSTUpdated 5 minutes agoMarc Guehi has won his fitness race and is expected to start England's World Cup quarter-final against Norway alongside the recalled John Stones in central defence.Manchester City defender Guehi suffered a minor hamstring strain in the win over Mexico and has missed training sessions this week.But he is set to be cleared to continue in the heart of England's defence.

He is expected to be playing alongside Stones in defence, who is set to be recalled into the starting XI for the first time since the opening game against Croatia.Ezri Konsa is set to be moved from centre-back to right-back.Declan Rice is fit to start despite a sickness bug that has hampered his involvement in the preparations for the game, while Noni Madueke is expected to play ahead of Bukayo Saka in another change to the XI.

Reece James, who has trained this week after recovering from a hamstring injury, is expected to be on the bench alongside fellow full-back Djed Spence.The selection of Stones and Guehi means it is an all-Manchester City central defence to take on their club team-mate Erling Haaland, who has scored seven goals at the World Cup, one more than Harry Kane.Stones, 32, has been a substitute in all England's matches since Croatia.

However, he played a key role against Mexico, coming on for Saka after 57 minutes following Jarell Quansah's red card.Expected England team: Pickford, Konsa, Guehi, Stones, O'Reilly, Anderson, Rice, Madueke, Gordon, Bellingham, Kane.Related topicsFootballEngland Men's Football TeamFIFA World Cup 2026More on this storyWhen the World Cup finishes, the football continues on BBC SportPublished12 hours agoWorld Cup 2026 knockout pathHow to watch the World Cup on the BBC and ITVPublished2 July 11 July 2026, 19:15 BST When the World Cup finishes, the football continues on BBC SportPublished12 hours ago 12 hours ago World Cup 2026 knockout path How to watch the World Cup on the BBC and ITVPublished2 July 2 July