Lion's Pride on Hold: Rice's Fitness Uncertainty
The England camp is on tenterhooks as they wait with bated breath for news on Declan Rice's fitness ahead of their World Cup semi-final showdown against Argentina. The Arsenal ace has been fighting a fierce battle to shake off an illness that forced him off in the 2-1 extra-time quarter-final win over Norway, and there are question marks hanging over his availability just 48 hours from kick-off.
Tuchel's team will be keeping a close eye on Rice's progress after he was confined to bed for three days leading up to the Norway match. Although he's made significant strides in the past two days, there's still some way to go before he's fully recovered from the sickness bug that he picked up in Mexico following England's last-16 victory over the co-hosts.
The stakes are sky-high for Rice, who has been an almost ever-present figure in England's World Cup campaign. With 78 caps under his belt, he's been a linchpin of the team, starting all but one match – that being the group-stage win over Panama, which he missed due to injury.
Adding another layer of complexity is the neural problem Rice has been managing for several months, affecting his lower back and hamstring. It's a pre-existing condition that will make Tuchel's decision on whether to include him in the starting XI against Argentina all the more crucial. England's medical team will be keeping a watchful eye on Rice before making their call – one that could have far-reaching consequences for the Three Lions' chances of reaching the World Cup final.