Declan Rice was in bed ill for nearly three days before Norway game, Tuchel reveals
England manager Thomas Tuchel revealed that midfielder Declan Rice played through illness during the team's World Cup quarter-final victory against Norway. Rice was substituted at half-time due to his physical condition and lingering back issues.
Why it matters
Player health management is critical in high-stakes international tournaments, and this incident highlights the tactical challenges coaches face when balancing player fitness with match strategy.
Figure caption, Bellingham scores extra-time winner as England reach semi-finals
England boss Thomas Tuchel says Declan Rice spent most of the three days before their World Cup quarter-final win against Norway in bed with sickness.
Rice started the 2-1 victory against Norway but looked like he was struggling in the stifling heat of the Miami Stadium before being substituted after the break for Arsenal teammate Eberechi Eze.
England went 1-0 down when Andreas Schjelderup scored for Norway before Jude Bellingham equalised just before half-time and also grabbed the winner for the Three Lions during extra-time.
The win set up a semi-final against Argentina, who beat Switzerland, that will kick off at 20:00 on Wednesday, 15 July and be shown live across the BBC.
"We had some players struggling in the heat," said Tuchel. "Ezri Konsa was one of them with cramps and the hamstrings.
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