England will decide late on whether Declan Rice is fit to start in the World Cup semi-final against Argentina on Wednesday, July 13, 2026. The Arsenal midfielder has been recovering from an illness that affected his performance during the quarter-final match against Norway, where he was substituted at half-time.
Head coach Thomas Tuchel revealed that Rice had spent three days in bed due to a sickness bug contracted before the quarter-final. Despite his recent struggles, there is growing optimism that Rice can recover in time for the crucial match, where England will aim to secure a spot in the World Cup final.
Declan Rice's Health Status
Rice's condition has shown significant improvement over the last 48 hours, although he has not fully recovered from the illness that plagued him during the tournament. He initially fell ill following England's victory over Mexico in the last 16, where the team won 3-2.
In addition to battling the sickness bug, Rice has been managing a neural issue impacting his lower back and hamstring for several months. This dual challenge raises concerns about his readiness for the high-stakes semi-final.
Implications for England's Lineup
The absence of Rice could significantly affect England's midfield dynamics. He has been a crucial player throughout the tournament, starting in all but one of England's World Cup matches. His only missed appearance was due to an injury during the group-stage match against Panama, which England won 2-0.
As England approaches this pivotal match, the coaching staff must weigh the risks of playing an not fully fit Rice against the benefits of his experience and skill on the pitch.
Looking Ahead to the Semi-Final
England's match against Argentina is set to be a thrilling encounter, steeped in rivalry and high expectations. The coaching staff will make a final decision regarding Rice's participation based on assessments from the medical team.
As the team prepares for this critical clash, fans are hopeful that Rice will be available, adding strength to the squad as they aim for World Cup glory.
🤖 This article was rewritten by Feed and Figures' editorial AI from a report originally published by BBC Football. Facts and quotes are preserved from the original; the rewrite focuses on clarity and structure. For the unedited original, see the source link below.
