England may make a late fitness call on Declan Rice for the World Cup semifinal
England are increasingly optimistic that Declan Rice will be fit to start Wednesday’s World Cup semifinal against Argentina, but BBC Sport says the decision will be made late. Rice was taken off at half-time against Norway after illness disrupted his preparation, and he has also been managing hamst…
England are increasingly optimistic that Declan Rice will be fit to start Wednesday’s World Cup semifinal against Argentina, but BBC Sport says the decision will be made late. Rice was taken off at half-time against Norway after illness disrupted his preparation, and he has also been managing hamstring and back issues during the tournament.[7][10]
Why it matters: Rice has been central to England’s tournament run, and his availability affects both their midfield stability and Thomas Tuchel’s selection choices for a semifinal against Argentina.[7][10] The late-call framing also signals that England’s buildup is being shaped by medical uncertainty rather than tactical fine-tuning alone.[7][10]
Key insights: Rice missed two training sessions before the Norway quarterfinal and was described by Tuchel as unable to ‘survive 90 minutes’.[7] | Despite that, sources told ESPN there is confidence he could be ready for the game in Atlanta.[7] | England trained in Kansas City before traveling to Atlanta, where Tuchel and three players are scheduled to speak to the media.[7] | Jarell Quansah remains unavailable through suspension, adding another squad-selection constraint for England.[7]
Cheatsheet facts: What changed: England’s stance shifted from Rice being badly affected by illness to growing optimism he can start the semifinal.[7][10] | Why now: The semifinal against Argentina is on Wednesday, so England must finalize the lineup after one more training window.[7][10] | Watch next: Whether England’s pre-match media session in Atlanta confirms Rice as available to start.[7]
England are increasingly optimistic that Declan Rice will be fit to start Wednesday’s World Cup semifinal against Argentina, but BBC Sport says the decision will be made late. Rice was taken off at half-time against Norway after illness disrupted his preparation, and he has also been managing hamstring and back issues during the tournament.[7][10]
Why it matters: Rice has been central to England’s tournament run, and his availability affects both their midfield stability and Thomas Tuchel’s selection choices for a semifinal against Argentina.[7][10] The late-call framing also signals that England’s buildup is being shaped by medical uncertainty rather than tactical fine-tuning alone.[7][10]
Key insights: Rice missed two training sessions before the Norway quarterfinal and was described by Tuchel as unable to ‘survive 90 minutes’.[7] | Despite that, sources told ESPN there is confidence he could be ready for the game in Atlanta.[7] | England trained in Kansas City before traveling to Atlanta, where Tuchel and three players are scheduled to speak to the media.[7] | Jarell Quansah remains unavailable through suspension, adding another squad-selection constraint for England.[7]
Cheatsheet facts: What changed: England’s stance shifted from Rice being badly affected by illness to growing optimism he can start the semifinal.[7][10] | Why now: The semifinal against Argentina is on Wednesday, so England must finalize the lineup after one more training window.[7][10] | Watch next: Whether England’s pre-match media session in Atlanta confirms Rice as available to start.[7]