The three players followed individual training programmes at England's base in Kansas City, Missouri, while the remaining 22 members of Thomas Tuchel's squad trained together. Jordan Henderson was also absent after undergoing surgery on an arm injury sustained following England's dramatic 3-2 round-of-16 victory over Mexico and is expected to miss the remainder of the tournament.
James remains the biggest concern for Tuchel as he continues his recovery from the hamstring problem that has ruled him out of England's last two matches. The right-back started the opening two group games before experiencing soreness after the goalless draw with Ghana, adding to England's problems in a position that has been hit hard by injuries and suspension.
England had already lost Tino Livramento before the tournament through injury, prompting Tuchel to call up Trevoh Chalobah while using Jarell Quansah as cover at right-back. Quansah started against Panama before suffering an injury of his own, with Djed Spence replacing him during the match and then starting the last-16 clash against Congo DR.
Quansah returned to the starting line-up against Mexico but was sent off after 54 minutes, leaving him suspended for the quarter-final. Ezri Konsa filled in on the right side of the defence for the remainder of the match, while Declan Rice also provided cover late in England's victory over Congo DR. With Quansah unavailable, Tuchel will be eager for James to prove his fitness before facing Erling Haaland and Norway.
Rice and Guehi are both expected to be available despite missing the group session. Rice has been managing a lower back issue, while Guehi is understood to be dealing with muscle fatigue after playing the full 120 minutes against Mexico. Both players completed individual recovery work on Wednesday.
The Football Association has also yet to decide whether it will appeal Quansah's red card in an attempt to overturn his suspension.
England will face Norway in Miami Gardens, Florida, on Saturday, aiming to reach the World Cup semi-finals for the first time since 2018.
Norway have played down concerns over illness within their World Cup squad ahead of Saturday's quarter-final against England, with team doctor Ola Sand insisting every player is fit despite speculation of a sickness bug spreading through the camp.
Former All Blacks head coach Sir Steve Hansen believes teams have to find ways to nullify the Springboks' physicality if they want to topple the world champions
Barcelona star Raphinha admits it has been difficult to accept Brazil's early elimination from the 2026 FIFA World Cup, but he is still proud of being part of the squad.
Lionel Messi overcame the disappointment of an early missed penalty to inspire Argentina's remarkable 3-2 comeback victory over Egypt in their World Cup round-of-16 clash on Tuesday.
