Declan Rice is fully fit and expected to start England's FIFA World Cup 2026 semi-final against Argentina in Kansas City on Wednesday, Sky Sports News understands.
The Arsenal midfielder had been battling a stomach illness since England's last-16 match in Mexico City ten days ago — a problem severe enough that Thomas Tuchel revealed Rice spent three days confined to bed ahead of the quarter-final against Norway. As a result, FA doctors limited him to just 45 minutes during that match in Miami, where the heat and humidity created conditions equivalent to temperatures of 44C.
Rice appeared visibly drained as he passed reporters after England's extra-time victory over Norway on Sunday. However, he has since made a full recovery and completed his first unrestricted training session on Monday in Kansas City, behind closed doors. There are no longer any doubts over his ability to start against the reigning world champions.
Squad fitness improving across the board
Thomas Tuchel will have near a fully-fit squad to choose from, with two notable exceptions: defender Jarrel Quansah is suspended, while Jordan Henderson is sidelined by a broken wrist.
Several England players suffered cramp and extreme fatigue during the gruelling extra-time win over Norway in Miami's intense heat. FA medics and physiotherapists have since carried out an intensive two-day rehabilitation programme, and the squad's condition has improved considerably.
Harry Kane, Elliot Anderson, Marc Guehi, and John Stones all played the full 120 minutes against Norway. Guehi had missed training sessions in the build-up to that match with a hamstring problem, while Stones had managed only 35 minutes of tournament football before that point. Both will continue to be monitored ahead of Wednesday's clash.
Tuchel has one final training session scheduled in Kansas City on Tuesday, his last opportunity to finalize tactics and team selection ahead of facing Lionel Messi and Argentina.
O'Reilly also expected to be available
Nico O'Reilly is also set to be available for selection despite a hamstring concern picked up during the Norway match. O'Reilly gestured to the bench to request substitution in the second half and was replaced by Djed Spence just before extra-time began — but Sky Sports News understands he has not suffered any serious strain.
Speaking to reporters on Monday, O'Reilly made clear his excitement at the occasion:
