England handed major new selection boost for Argentina World Cup semi-final

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Evening Standard

14 July 2026

Good news for Thomas Tuchel as

Three Lions

prepare for massive last-four clash

Declan Rice

has shaken off illness in time to make himself available for

England

’s

World Cup

semi-final showdown against

Argentina

The Three Lions’ influential vice-captain has had to battle fatigue, a stomach bug, calf issues and long-term neural pain in his hamstring and lower back during England’s eventful run to the last four in North America this summer.

The

Arsenal

midfielder was substituted at half-time during

Saturday’s tense quarter-final win over Norway in Miami

, replaced by Gunners team-mate Eberechi Eze.

While

head coach

Thomas Tuchel said that was due to his desire to make a positive tactical switch

, Rice looked exhausted as he left the stadium after the match.

Ready to go:

is expected to start as

face

in the

semi-finals

He spent most of the three days leading up to the Norway game in bed due to a stomach bug.

But

Standard Sport

understands that Rice is set to be ready to play in Wednesday’s

blockbuster semi-final tie against defending champions Argentina

at Atlanta Stadium.

Rice - who was also taken off in the Group L opener against Croatia and later rested for the win over Panama - started to feel better once

returned to their Kansas City training base following the extra-time victory over Norway, sealed by two goals from Jude Bellingham.

The Major League Soccer (MLS) referee awarded Brazil two penalties in their shock last-16 defeat by Norway, also taking charge of the Netherlands’ dramatic draw with Japan during the group stage and Spain’s feisty win over Uruguay.

England v Argentina LIVE: Late call to be made on Rice fitness ahead of World Cup semi-final

The Independent

Declan Rice withdrawn at half-time after illness in England’s World Cup win over Norway

OffsAIde

Declan Rice ‘could miss’ England World Cup quarter-final against Norway

Marc Guehi and Declan Rice train in huge World Cup injury boost for England

Argentina ready to start unexpected Serie A player in World Cup semi-final with England

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