England have reached their third successive quarter-final at a major tournament as they prepare to take on France in the 2022 World Cup on Saturday.
The departures of Ben White and Raheem Sterling for personal reasons had already depleted squad numbers ahead of the last fixture, but now three more players face a race against time to be available for selection against Les Bleus this weekend, leaving Gareth Southgate sweating over his options.
Here is all you need to know about the current state of play in the Three Lions camp and the expected return dates for those out on the sidelines.
John Stones
Concerns have been raised over the fitness of Manchester City defender John Stones after he was forced off in the 78th minute of England's 3-0 victory over Senegal in the last 16.
Stones appeared to be in some discomfort as he walked off the pitch, with a tight hamstring thought to be the root of the issue. But with the game already won by the time he came off, it is hoped that Southgate's decision was more precautionary than anything else.
The former Everton man will continue to be assessed ahead of England's quarter-final clash with France on Saturday, while Southgate will be expected to provide a fresh update in the coming hours and days.
Who should replace John Stones if he is not fit enough to start against France? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.
Callum Wilson
Newcastle striker Callum Wilson also raised concerns over his fitness ahead of England's clash with France this weekend after missing the Three Lions' training session on Monday with an unspecified muscular issue.
Wilson was an unused substitute against Senegal on Sunday, before England revealed the following day that he had a minor strain and sat out of training as a precaution. As a result, it is hoped that he will be fit and firing in time for the quarter-final on Saturday.
The 30-year-old also took to Instagram soon after to reveal he was 'recharging and recovering'. As with Stones, Southgate will be expected to provide an update on Wilson ahead of this weekend.
Declan Rice
West Ham captain and midfield anchor-man Declan Rice has been a stalwart for England at the World Cup so far, having formed an impressive bond with Jude Bellingham in the middle of the park throughout their four fixtures in Qatar.
Although the 23-year-old isn't struggling with injury, the Three Lions did announce that Rice had missed out on Wednesday's training session with a bout of illness, having picked up a fever whilst out in the middle east.
Having been afforded the time to rest and recuperate ahead of this weekend, it is hoped that Rice will regain full fitness in time to feature against France on Saturday. Nonetheless, a fresh update on his status is expected soon.
Raheem Sterling
It was initially feared that Chelsea forward Sterling would remain a doubt for England's quarter-final with France after returning home earlier this week to deal with a family matter.
The 27-year-old's home was burgled whilst in Qatar with the Three Lions, which saw him miss out on the last 16 victory over Senegal on Sunday in order to return to the UK.
Sterling started England's first two group stage games against Iran and the USA, scoring against the former, and remains an important part of Southgate's squad. However, he will now return to the England camp in Qatar ahead of Saturday's clash with France.
