England manager Thomas Tuchel has confirmed that midfielder Declan Rice is fit to start Wednesday’s World Cup semi-final against defending champions Argentina after recovering from illness.
Speaking at his pre-match press conference in Atlanta on Tuesday, Tuchel said Rice had regained fitness after being forced off at half-time during England’s quarter-final victory over Norway.
“Everyone is fit to start and everyone was in training except for Jarell (Quansah) who is suspended and Jordan Henderson,” Tuchel told reporters.
Henderson will miss the encounter after suffering a broken arm in a freak accident following England’s last-16 win over co-hosts Mexico.
Providing an update on Rice, Tuchel said, “Rice is ready to start and as well recovered as possible.”
The England coach also looked ahead to another chapter in the long-running football rivalry between England and Argentina, describing it as one of the biggest fixtures in international football.
“It is a big rivalry, two big football nations, everyone who loves football and follows the World Cup knows about this and about what it brings.
