England midfielder Declan Rice is anticipated to overcome an illness and maintain his position in the starting lineup for the upcoming World Cup semi-final against Argentina. The match is scheduled for Wednesday. Rice was substituted at half-time during England’s quarter-final victory over Norway, with coach Thomas Tuchel indicating that the player had been unwell for several days prior to the match.
Following England’s return to their base in Kansas City before travelling to Atlanta, reports suggest Rice’s condition has improved significantly. He is expected to feature alongside Elliot Anderson in midfield against the current world champions. The team also faces fitness concerns regarding Ezri Konsa, the Aston Villa defender, who was substituted against Norway due to cramp. However, Konsa is also projected to be available for selection at right-back.
There is a possibility that Tuchel might reintroduce Reece James into the starting XI. The Chelsea captain made an appearance as a second-half substitute against Norway. Additionally, Bukayo Saka, who made a positive impact off the bench in the previous match, could also be considered for a starting role.
Squad Availability and Yellow Card Rules
Several key players for England, including Rice, Jude Bellingham, Marc Guehi, and Lewis O’Reilly, avoided yellow cards against Norway, ensuring their availability for the semi-final. Under FIFA regulations, a player booked in two separate matches incurs a one-match ban. Bellingham received a caution against DR Congo, while Guehi, O’Reilly, and Rice were all booked against Mexico. Rice also received a yellow card during the group stage match against Ghana.
However, FIFA rules stipulate that the yellow card count resets after both the group stage and the quarter-finals. This means that no England player is currently at risk of suspension for the World Cup final, should the team advance, unless they receive a straight red card in the upcoming match. Jarell Quansah, a defender, had his group stage yellow card against Panama expunged but received a two-game suspension for a straight red card against Mexico in the last-16, making him available again if England reaches the final.
The availability of these players, particularly Bellingham, who has scored six goals in the tournament, is considered a significant advantage for England. Bellingham has netted two goals against both Mexico and Norway, placing him as England’s joint-top goalscorer in the 2026 World Cup, alongside captain Harry Kane.
Goalkeeper’s Perspective on the Match
Jordan Pickford, England’s goalkeeper, has emphasised the importance of maintaining composure against Argentina. He stated that the team understands the need to remain focused and not be swayed by the intense historical rivalry between the two nations. The semi-final in Atlanta marks the first time England will face Argentina in a World Cup since 2002, a fixture with considerable historical weight.
Pickford believes that keeping their discipline will be crucial for securing a victory. He noted that England has shown a desire to win titles throughout the tournament without engaging in altercations, maintaining respect within the game. He added that the team focuses on resetting after decisions, whether favourable or not, and allows their football to speak for itself, demonstrating a strong mentality.
When asked about potentially facing Lionel Messi for the first time, the Everton goalkeeper acknowledged Messi’s talent but stressed that England cannot focus solely on him, as Argentina is a strong team overall. Pickford highlighted the significance of the game but reiterated the importance of England not getting overwhelmed by the occasion.
He described the upcoming match as a football game between two passionate sets of fans, bringing nations together. Pickford remarked that both England and Argentina, along with Spain and France, are among the top four nations in the world rankings, all vying for a spot in the final. He was part of the England squad that reached the semi-finals of the 2018 World Cup and the finals of the European Championship in 2021 and 2024. Pickford stated that while winning a major trophy is a dream, the immediate focus is entirely on Wednesday’s match.
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Source: theguardian.com
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Charlie Bradshaw is the Senior Football Correspondent at News-GB, covering the Premier League, the EFL and the England national side with ten years of reporting experience. He covered Merseyside football before going national. He holds a degree in Sports Journalism from Liverpool John Moores University and completed an NCTJ diploma. Based in Liverpool, he watches non-league sides and collects old match programmes. “The back page is only ever half the story.”