England vs Argentina: Declan Rice fit for World Cup semi-final as Thomas Tuchel's squad issues begin to ease
England midfielder Declan Rice is confirmed fit for the upcoming World Cup semi-final against Argentina. Manager Thomas Tuchel's squad depth has improved as various injury and illness concerns have subsided ahead of the match.
Why it matters
The fitness of key players is critical for national teams competing in the final stages of a major global tournament.
Declan Rice is fit and available to start England's World Cup semi-final against Argentina on Wednesday, <em>Sky Sports News</em> understands. <p>Thomas Tuchel's injury, illness and fatigue problems across the squad have eased considerably since the gruelling win over Norway three days ago.</p><p>Rice had a stomach problem in the aftermath of the last 16 game in Mexico City 10 days ago, which Tuchel said meant he was confined to his bed for three days in the lead-up to the quarter-final against Norway.</p><ul><li><strong><a href="https://www.skysports.com/football/news/12016/13563184/world-cup-2026-why-has-england-midfielder-kobbie-mainoo-failed-to-play-a-single-minute-for-thomas-tuchels-side-this-summer">Why has Kobbie Mainoo become England's forgotten man?</a></strong></li><li><a href="https://www.skysports.com/football/news/30964/13562724/paul-merson-jude-bellingham-has-x-factor-needed-to-win-england-the-world-cup"><strong>Merson: Teams win leagues, X-factor wins World Cups - and Bellingham has it</strong></a></li><li><strong><a href="https://www.skysports.com/football/news/12098/13556636/world-cup-2026-bracket-and-knockout-fixtures-whos-facing-who-in-the-last-32-and-route-to-final" target="_blank">World Cup semi-finals schedule</a> | </strong><strong><a href="https://www.skysports.com/football/news/31746/12572660/download-the-sky-sports-app-free-premier-league-highlights-f1-race-control-and-more-at-your-fingertips?dcmp=Mublogdownload" target="_blank">Follow it all on the Sky Sports App</a> | <a href="https://www.skysports.com/football/news/12098/13556951/world-cup-2026-golden-boot-race-lionel-messi-kylian-mbappe-harry-kane-and-erling-haaland-in-epic-battle" target="_blank">Golden Boot race</a></strong></li><li><strong><a href="https://www.skysports.com/football/news/12016/13562880/world-cup-2026-jude-bellingham-and-thomas-tuchels-battle-of-wills-is-healthy-for-england">Jude Bellingham and Thomas Tuchel's 'battle of wills' is healthy for England</a></strong></li></ul><widget id="5"></widget><p>As a result, the FA doctors decided he was only able to play 45…
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