England to make late call on Declan Rice for World Cup semi-final
England will decide late on Declan Rice's fitness for the World Cup semi-final against Argentina after the midfielder was sidelined by illness.
England are set to make a late decision on whether Declan Rice will start Wednesday's World Cup semi-final against Argentina, with growing optimism that the Arsenal midfielder can recover from a sickness bug.
Rice was substituted at half-time in Saturday's quarter-final victory over Norway in Miami after suffering from a sickness bug in the lead-up to the match. Head coach Thomas Tuchel revealed afterward that Rice had spent three days in bed before the game, which England won 2-1 after extra time.
The illness was picked up in Mexico, where England beat the co-hosts 3-2 in the round of 16. Although Rice has not fully recovered, his condition has markedly improved over the past 48 hours, raising hopes he will be fit enough to start in Atlanta.
Tuchel will wait to see how rapidly Rice's condition improves before making a final decision. England medics are expected to make a late call given the severity of the illness. Rice is almost certain to declare himself fit, but medical staff will have the final say.
In addition to the sickness bug, Rice has been carrying a neural problem for several months, affecting his lower back and hamstring. The 78-cap midfielder has started all but one of England's World Cup matches, missing the 2-0 group-stage win over Panama due to an injury flare-up.
