Declan Rice expected to be fit for England’s World Cup semi-final against Argentina

Declan Rice is expected to shake off the illness that forced him off at half-time against Norway and start for England in Wednesday’s World Cup semi-final against Argentina. The Arsenal midfielder spent three days in bed before England’s quarter-final victory in Miami, head coach Thomas Tuchel revealed, but his condition has improved markedly over the past 48 hours since the team returned to their base in Kansas City. Rice is now set to line up alongside Elliot Anderson in midfield in Atlanta, where England face the reigning world champions for the first time since 2002. The 27‑year‑old has also been carrying a neural problem affecting his lower back and hamstring for several months, but the severity of the illness is the main concern. England medics will make a late call – Rice is almost certain to rule himself fit given the occasion, but Tuchel will wait to see how rapidly his condition improves before deciding whether to start him. Elsewhere, Ezri Konsa had to be substituted against Norway because of cramp but the Aston Villa defender is expected to be in contention to start at right‑back again. Tuchel may recall Reece James after the Chelsea captain came off the bench in the quarter‑final, while Bukayo Saka could start after impressing as a substitute. England will wear their home shirt for the fixture after Argentina made a “special” request to play in their away kit. Jordan Pickford, meanwhile, insisted the team will not be distracted by the intense rivalry. “We’ve been very respectful within the game – if decisions go our way or if they don’t go our way, we just reset, we go again, and we let the football do the talking,” the Everton goalkeeper said. Asked about facing Lionel Messi for the first time, Pickford added: “It’s great to finally come up against him – I watched him a lot as a kid. We all know how good Messi is but we also know how good Argentina are so we can’t focus solely on him.” Authorities in Atlanta are on high alert with thousands of supporters from both countries expected at a stadium where many seats are unsegregated. England’s ability to keep their heads – and Rice’s fitness – could determine whether they reach a second consecutive World Cup final.