Jordan Henderson and Jarell Quansah will be the only players unavailable for England when they face Argentina in the World Cup semi-final in Atlanta – a selection boost for Thomas Tuchel as he finalises his starting XI.
Henderson is still recovering from surgery on the broken arm he suffered celebrating the win over Mexico in the last 16, while defender Quansah is suspended following his red card in the same game. That leaves Tuchel with options, and the England head coach has considered keeping the same defence that began the quarter-final against Norway: Ezri Konsa, John Stones, Marc Guéhi and Nico O'Reilly all started, and Tuchel was impressed with how the quartet operated in the 2-1 win.
“Henderson (arm surgery) and Quansah (suspension) only absentees for England's World Cup semi-final against Argentina.”
Tuchel has yet to field the same starting back four in consecutive games at the World Cup, but the continuity could prove vital. Meanwhile, Declan Rice's preparation for the Norway game was severely disrupted by illness – but BBC Sport reported on Monday there was optimism his condition had improved enough for him to take his place in the team. Rice trained fully on Tuesday and is expected to start in Atlanta.
Whoever Tuchel picks, the prize is a final against Spain, who beat France 2-0 in Tuesday's other semi-final. England have never won a World Cup final on foreign soil; this could be their chance.