England head coach Thomas Tuchel has confirmed that Declan Rice is fit to start the FIFA World Cup 2026 semi-final against defending champions Argentina, handing the Three Lions a major boost ahead of Wednesday’s blockbuster clash in Atlanta.
Speaking to reporters on the eve of the semi-final, Tuchel revealed that Rice has fully recovered from the illness that forced him 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 said.
He added:
“Rice is ready to start and as well recovered as possible.”
Rice’s return strengthens England’s midfield ahead of one of the biggest matches in the nation’s recent football history, with a place in the World Cup final against Spain at stake.
England Receive Timely Midfield Boost
Rice had been battling illness over the past week and was substituted during England’s hard-fought quarter-final victory over Norway as a precaution.
The Arsenal midfielder had also been recovering after missing valuable training time following England’s Round of 16 win over Mexico.
Meanwhile, England have suffered one significant setback, with experienced midfielder Jordan Henderson ruled out after breaking his arm in a freak accident following the victory over Mexico.
Defender Jarell Quansah will also miss the semi-final through suspension.
Tuchel Relishing Argentina Challenge
England face reigning world champions Argentina in one of international football’s most iconic rivalries, but Tuchel insists his players are focused on the present rather than past encounters.
“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,” Tuchel said.
“We expect an intense and emotional match, with a lot of momentum swings.”
The winner will advance to the FIFA World Cup 2026 final, where Spain are already waiting after defeating France in the first semi-final.
Historic Rivalry Returns to the World Cup
England and Argentina share one of the most memorable rivalries in World Cup history.
Among the most famous encounters was the 1986 quarter-final in Mexico City, when Diego Maradona scored twice, including the controversial “Hand of God” goal and what is widely regarded as one of the greatest goals ever scored in World Cup history.
The two nations also met in the 1998 Round of 16, where Argentina progressed after a penalty shootout following David Beckham’s red card in Saint-Étienne.
However, Tuchel made it clear that England are not using history as additional motivation.
“We don’t use it as a fuel.”
“We know why we are here, we know what we want, we were never shy of expecting that from ourselves, and of saying it or of dreaming it.”
“We are in the semi-finals, and we arrive very hungry. We want to have the next win. We respect our opponent but we don’t dip into historic events and we don’t make it bigger than it is.”
England Chasing Historic Final Appearance
England are bidding to reach their first FIFA World Cup final since 1966, when they lifted the trophy on home soil.
With Declan Rice available, Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane in excellent form, and Thomas Tuchel guiding the team through an impressive tournament, the Three Lions will hope to overcome Lionel Messi’s Argentina and book a place in Sunday’s showpiece final against Spain.