England midfielder Declan Rice is anticipated to be fit to start in the World Cup semi-final match against Argentina on Wednesday. Rice was substituted during the quarter-final victory over Norway after experiencing illness for several days prior to the game. Despite this, he is now reportedly feeling better and is expected to feature in the midfield alongside Elliot Anderson.
Manager Thomas Tuchel had previously indicated that Rice had spent three days unwell before the Norway fixture. However, following England’s return to their base in Kansas City before travelling to Atlanta, the Arsenal midfielder’s condition has improved. This development is a boost for England as they prepare to face the reigning world champions.
Squad Fitness Updates
In addition to Rice’s expected return, there are positive updates regarding other key players. Defender Ezri Konsa, who was substituted against Norway due to cramp, is also expected to be available for selection. Konsa is anticipated to be in contention to start at right-back.
Reece James, the Chelsea captain, could also be recalled to the starting lineup after making an appearance as a second-half substitute against Norway. James had been absent since sustaining an injury during the group stage match against Ghana. Bukayo Saka, who impressed coming off the bench in the quarter-final, is another player who could potentially start against Argentina.
Furthermore, the availability of Jude Bellingham, Marc Guehi, Tyler O’Reilly, and Rice for the semi-final has been confirmed. All four players had received yellow cards in previous matches but avoided further bookings against Norway, meaning they are not suspended for the upcoming game. FIFA rules state that yellow card counts reset after the group stage and quarter-finals, ensuring no player is at risk of suspension for the final unless they receive a straight red card.
Jarell Quansah, however, will be unavailable for the semi-final due to a two-game suspension following a straight red card for serious foul play against Mexico in the last-16. He would only be available again should England reach the final.
Anticipation for the Semi-Final
England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford has emphasised the importance of maintaining composure against Argentina. He stated that the team must not be distracted by the historical rivalry between the two nations, which dates back to their last World Cup encounter in 2002. Pickford believes that keeping their focus and avoiding unnecessary confrontations will be crucial for victory.
Pickford noted the team’s desire to win titles throughout the tournament, highlighting their respectful approach to games regardless of referee decisions. He stressed that the players reset and allow their football to speak for itself, demonstrating a strong mentality that avoids getting entangled in external factors.
When asked about facing Lionel Messi, Pickford acknowledged the Argentine star’s talent but insisted that England’s focus extends beyond just one player. He recognised the strength of the entire Argentina team, indicating that a sole focus on Messi would be insufficient.
Authorities in Atlanta are preparing for a significant influx of supporters from both countries for the semi-final, with many seats in the stadium being unsegregated. Pickford acknowledged the magnitude of the occasion but reiterated the importance of England not getting caught up in the atmosphere, viewing it as a football match between two passionate sets of fans.
He described the match as a contest between two proud nations, alongside Spain and France, who are among the top four ranked teams globally. Pickford, who was part of the England squad that reached the 2018 World Cup semi-finals and the European Championship finals in 2021 and 2024, expressed that the immediate goal is to perform at their best on Wednesday to reach the final.
The match against Argentina will be Messi’s first game against England. His previous opportunity to face them in 2005 was missed due to a red card in his debut match against Bosnia & Herzegovina. The historical encounters between England and Argentina include a 1998 World Cup last-16 match where Argentina won on penalties, a 1-1 draw in the 2002 group stage, and the famous 1986 quarter-final featuring Diego Maradona‘s ‘Hand of God’ goal.
The semi-final is scheduled to take place on Wednesday evening in Atlanta.
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Source: theguardian.com
As NewsGB's Senior Football Correspondent, Jack Ferndale reports on the Premier League, the EFL and the England national side for readers across the country. He covered north-east football for a regional daily. He holds a degree in Sports Journalism from the University of Sunderland and completed an NCTJ diploma. Jack lives in Sunderland, where he watches lower-league football home and away. “The story is in the squad, not just the starting eleven.”
