Early England team news vs Norway as Thomas Tuchel makes controversial change

MIAMI, FLORIDA - JULY 10: Thomas Tuchel, Manager of England, looks on during an England training session at the Inter Miami CF Training Facility one day ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026 Quarter Final match between Norway and England on July 10, 2026 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Eddie Keogh - The FA/The FA via Getty Images) — Thomas Tuchel (Image credit: Getty Images)

England have advanced to the quarter-finals at the 2026 World Cup having beaten Croatia, Panama, DR Congo and Mexico en route.

Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane have been the star men of this England tournament display, whilst the persistent problem facing Tuchel has been options at right-back.

Djed Spence has deputised in the place of Reece James, who remains sidelined, or at the very least unable to start in Miami this evening, according to The Athletic.

England team news vs Norway

Harry Kane scored from the penalty spot to put England 3-1 up against Mexico — These two are starting, don't fret (Image credit: Getty Images)

Back-up option Jarell Quansah missed the Round of 32 fixture against DR Congo with an ankle problem and was then sent off after VAR review in the 3-2 Round of 16 win over Mexico. He has been handed a two-match ban, meaning his only remaining participation will come in the World Cup Final, should England make it that far.

Spence picked up an injury in the lead up to the Mexico game and was only deployed as a second half substitute, but he is not the man Tuchel has reportedly chosen at right-back this evening.

ORLANDO, FLORIDA - JUNE 10: (L-R) Ezri Konsa, Declan Rice, Nico O&amp;apos;Reilly and John Stones #5 of England line up for the national anthem before the International Friendly match between England and Costa Rica at Inter&amp;Co Stadium on June 10, 2026 in Orlando, Florida. (Photo by Eddie Keogh - The FA/The FA via Getty Images) — Ezri Konsa (L) will start at right-back (Image credit: Getty Images)

Instead, the German boss has decided on Ezri Konsa at right-back, moving the Aston Villa man over from central defence and replacing him there with veteran centre-half John Stones.

Stones and Marc Guehi, both teammates of Norway's Erling Haaland, will be tasked with keeping a lid on the seven-goal striker who will have eyes on the Golden Boot, as well as taking the Norsemen as far as he can.

Tuchel has elected to keep 6ft 7in defender Dan Burn as an impact substitute, as was the case against Mexico, instead of using him to try and thwart Haaland by matching the Manchester City forward physically.

Perhaps controversially, Tuchel is expected to name Noni Madueke on the right-hand side of attack in his starting lineup.

The Arsenal winger will replace clubmate Bukayo Saka after sitting out the Mexico fixture as an unused substitute.

MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA - JUNE 18: A general interior view of match action at Hard Rock Stadium, host venue for the FIFA World Cup 2026 during the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 group H match between Real Madrid CF and Al Hilal at Hard Rock Stadium on June 18, 2025 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images) — It's going to be a hot one in Miami Gardens with a 'feels like' temperature of 44 degrees (Image credit: Getty Images)

In FourFourTwo's opinion, these are bold team selection picks by Tuchel, but that is very much in keeping with the manager's reputation and demeanour. He is not afraid to make big calls at big times and remains the best man to make those decisions given his proximity to the squad.

Opting for Madueke over Saka will trouble some England fans but Tuchel evidently has a plan.

Expected England XI: Pickford (GK); Konsa, Stones, Guehi, O'Reilly; Rice, Anderson, Bellingham; Gordon, Madueke, Kane

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Joe joined FourFourTwo as senior digital writer in July 2025 after five years covering Leeds United in the Championship and Premier League. Joe's 'Mastermind' specialist subject is 2000s-era Newcastle United having had a season ticket at St. James' Park for 10 years before relocating to Leeds and later London. Joe takes a keen interest in youth football, covering PL2, U21 Euros, as well as U20 and U17 World Cups in the past, in addition to hosting the industry-leading football recruitment-focused SCOUTED podcast. He is also one of the lucky few to have 'hit top bins' as a contestant on Soccer AM. It wasn't a shin-roller.