England face Argentina in a World Cup semi-final on Wednesday, and the fitness of midfielder Declan Rice remains the biggest uncertainty for Thomas Tuchel's side.
The Arsenal midfielder was substituted at half-time of England's quarter-final win over Norway after spending three days in bed with an illness picked up in Mexico, where England beat the co-hosts 3-2 in the last 16. Tuchel admitted after the Norway game that Rice had been confined to bed for three days before that match, which England won 2-1 after extra time. However, Rice's condition has improved markedly over the past 48 hours, and there is growing optimism he will be well enough to start alongside Elliot Anderson in midfield against the reigning world champions in Atlanta. England medics are set to make a late call on his availability, and Tuchel will wait to see how rapidly his condition improves before deciding whether to pick him. Rice has also been carrying a neural problem affecting his lower back and hamstring for several months, and he missed England's group-stage win over Panama due to an injury flare-up.
“All you need to know about England's World Cup semi-final against Argentina, including Declan Rice's fitness and the historic rivalry.”
The match pits England against Argentina for the first time at a World Cup since 2002, renewing one of football's most intense rivalries. England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford acknowledged the significance of the occasion but said his team must keep their heads. "You've seen throughout the tournament, you've seen our desire to win titles, we've not gotten into any scuffles or anything," he said. "We just reset, we go again, and we let the football do the talking." Pickford also insisted England cannot focus solely on Lionel Messi, whom he will face for the first time. "We all know how good Messi is but we also know how good Argentina are," he said.
England have other fitness concerns: defender Ezri Konsa had to be substituted against Norway due to cramp but is expected to be in contention to start at right-back, though Tuchel could recall Chelsea captain Reece James after he came on as a second-half substitute against Norway. Bukayo Saka may also start after impressing off the bench. England will wear their home shirt for the semi-final after Argentina requested to use their away kit.
The match will be played at a stadium in Atlanta where many seats are unsegregated, with authorities on high alert for the large numbers of supporters from both countries expected. Pickford said it is crucial England do not get caught up in the occasion.
## Key questions answered
Q: Is Declan Rice fit for the semi-final? A: Rice suffered from a sickness bug and was substituted at half-time against Norway. He has improved significantly and is expected to start, but Thomas Tuchel and England medics will make a late decision on his availability.
Q: When and where is the match? A: England face Argentina in the World Cup semi-final on Wednesday, July 15 (or the date implied by the sources), in Atlanta, USA. The exact kick-off time has not been specified in the sources.
Q: What is the rivalry between England and Argentina? A: The two nations have a historic football rivalry, last meeting at a World Cup in 2002. The semi-final is their first encounter at a World Cup since then, with both sets of supporters expected in large numbers. Jordan Pickford has urged his teammates to stay focused and not get drawn into confrontations.
## What happens next
Tuchel will make a late decision on Rice's fitness, with the midfielder almost certain to rule himself fit given the occasion. The manager also has choices to make in defence, with Reece James and Bukayo Saka pushing for starts. The winner of Wednesday's match will advance to the World Cup final.
