England have received a significant boost ahead of their FIFA World Cup semi-final against Argentina, with Declan Rice expected to be fit and available to start after making a full recovery from illness.
The Arsenal midfielder endured a difficult spell following England’s Round of 16 victory in Mexico City, where a stomach illness left him bedridden for three days leading into the quarter-final clash with Norway.
Despite not being at full fitness, Rice started against Norway but was substituted at half-time after the Football Association’s medical team determined he could safely play only 45 minutes. The intense heat and humidity in Miami, conditions that reportedly felt like 44°C, further complicated his recovery.
Following England’s hard-fought extra-time victory, Rice appeared visibly exhausted as he left the stadium. However, head coach Thomas Tuchel revealed after the match that the midfielder was keen to continue playing despite his condition.
Rice Returns to Full Training
There is now renewed optimism in the England camp after Rice completed a full training session in Kansas City on Monday—his first full workout since the victory over Norway.
The session, held behind closed doors, confirmed that the 26-year-old has fully recovered, removing any lingering doubts over his availability for Wednesday’s crucial semi-final against the reigning world champions.
His return provides a timely lift for Tuchel, who will rely heavily on Rice’s defensive discipline, leadership, and ability to control the midfield against an Argentina side led by Lionel Messi.
England’s Injury Concerns Ease
England’s medical staff have also made encouraging progress with the rest of the squad.
Several players were left battling cramp and fatigue after the physically demanding encounter with Norway, but an intensive recovery programme over the past two days has helped the squad regain fitness.
Barring the absences of suspended defender Jarrel Quansah and midfielder Jordan Henderson, who remains sidelined with a broken wrist, Tuchel is expected to have nearly his entire squad available for selection.
One Step from History
England now stand just one victory away from reaching their first FIFA World Cup final in 60 years.
Tuchel has one final training session remaining in Kansas City to fine-tune his tactics and settle on his starting lineup before facing Lionel Messi and Argentina in one of the biggest matches of England’s modern football history.
With Declan Rice back to full fitness and the squad close to full strength, England head into the semi-final with renewed confidence as they chase a place in the World Cup final.
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