England has received a significant boost ahead of their World Cup semi-final clash with Argentina, as manager Thomas Tuchel confirmed that Declan Rice is 'ready to start'. The Arsenal star, who had been struggling with illness following England's last-16 match in Mexico, successfully participated in training on Tuesday, easing fears about his availability for the crucial fixture.
Rice's recovery comes after a challenging period, during which he was bedridden for three days in the build-up to England's 2-1 extra-time victory over Norway in the quarter-finals. During that match in Miami, an uncharacteristically subdued Rice was substituted at half-time. Despite also managing a persistent hamstring issue since Christmas, his return to full fitness will be a welcome relief for Tuchel and the England squad as they prepare to face Lionel Messi and his team in Atlanta on Wednesday.
Addressing the media, Tuchel stated, "Everyone is fit to start, except Jarell [Quansah] and Jordan [Henderson]. Declan [Rice] is ready to start and [had] as good a recovery as possible." This confirmation underscores the importance of Rice's role in the midfield, particularly in such a high-stakes encounter.
However, England will be without two key players for the semi-final. Midfielder Jordan Henderson was the sole member of the 26-man squad not to train on Tuesday, as he recovers from arm surgery following a fall during the Mexico trip. Additionally, versatile defender Jarell Quansah will miss the match, serving the second game of a two-match ban after receiving a red card in the last-16 tie at the Estadio Azteca.
In other team news, right-back Reece James is reportedly pushing for a starting spot. James made his return from a three-game absence due to a hamstring injury as a second-half substitute against Norway, indicating he is nearing full match fitness and could provide another option for Tuchel's defensive line-up.