Miami (AFP) – John Stones and Noni Madueke have been named in the England squad for Saturday’s World Cup quarter-final against Norway, with Ezri Konsa becoming the fourth player to start at right-back for the Three Lions in six matches.
Issued: 11/07/2026 – 22:28
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Konsa, who has started every game in the tournament so far as a centre-back, will deputize at full-back, with Jarell Quansah suspended and Reece James only on the bench with a hamstring injury.
Stones had not started since the first game of the tournament, but came on as a substitute to help England survive a late Mexican onslaught to reach the last eight, going on to win 3–2.
Madueke will replace his Arsenal teammate Bukayo Saka on the right flank.
Saka impressed for Mexico, providing an assist for Jude Bellingham’s opening goal, but is currently struggling with an Achilles injury.
Midfielder Declan Rice and centre-back Mark Guey both start despite missing training earlier in the week.
Harry Kane and Bellingham scored 10 of England’s 11 World Cup goals and pose the main threat to Norway in the Scandinavians’ first quarter-final.
At the other end of the pitch, England’s makeshift defense faces Erling Haaland, who has scored seven goals in his first four games at a major tournament.
© 2026 AFP