FIFA World Cup 2026: Declan Rice fit and available for England's WC semi-final clash against Argentina
Texas, July 14
Declan Rice is fit and available to start England's World Cup semifinal against Argentina on Wednesday, Sky Sports reported.
Rice had suffered a stomach issue following England's round-of-16 clash in Mexico City 10 days ago. England manager Thomas Tuchel revealed that the midfielder was confined to bed for three days ahead of the quarterfinal against Norway due to the illness.
England will face Argentina in the second semifinal of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Atlanta on Wednesday, with the Three Lions aiming to reach only their second-ever World Cup final and their first since lifting the trophy on home soil in 1966.
As a result, the FA medical team decided that Rice could only feature for 45 minutes in Miami, where the intense heat and humidity created conditions equivalent to temperatures of 44°C.
The Arsenal midfielder appeared exhausted and visibly drained as he walked past journalists after England's extra-time victory over Norway. However, manager Thomas Tuchel indicated in his post-match press conference that Rice was eager to continue playing beyond the interval.
"We knew that Declan was struggling. He gave a green light to continue maybe until the next water break, but then I thought if we go 120 and I don't have Elliot [Anderson] on the field, we will get into trouble with substitutions later," Tuchel said as per Sky Sports.
"So we took a hard decision and took Declan off then, which paid off because Elliot could play the full 120, otherwise we would have been in trouble," he added.
Rice has now fully recovered and completed a full training session in Kansas City on Monday. It was England's first full session since the victory over Norway, which had been held behind closed doors, as per Sky Sports.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Honestly, I feel for the players having to play in such extreme conditions. 44°C equivalent?! That's like a Delhi summer! But Rice showing he's a warrior by wanting to continue. Tuchel made a smart tactical call though.
Argentina vs England in a WC semi-final! That's a blockbuster. Rice being fit is huge for England's balance. But Lionel Messi's Argentina will be tough - they have that never-say-die spirit we Indians understand well. 🏆
As an England fan living in India, this is nerve-wracking! Rice is the heartbeat of the team. But let's be honest - we need more than just one player fit. The defence against Argentina's attack will be key. Come on Three Lions! 🦁
Respect to Rice for pushing through illness. But Tuchel's decision to sub him off was sensible - no point risking a player for one game when you need him for the final. Though I wonder if the heat management will be an issue throughout the tournament. 🌡️
India may not be in the World Cup, but we still love the game! This England-Argentina clash will be epic. Rice's recovery is timely - he's the kind of player who runs the show without much fanfare. Hope he has a blinder! 🇮🇳⚡⚽
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