Declan Rice fit to start for England in World Cup semi-final against Argentina

England midfielder Declan Rice has been declared fit to start in the World Cup semi-final clash against reigning champions Argentina, according to coach Thomas Tuchel.

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Everyone is fit to start and everyone was in training except for Jarell (Quansah) who is suspended and Jordan Henderson.

Tuchel confirmed on Tuesday that all players were available for selection, with the exception of Jarell Quansah, who is suspended, and Jordan Henderson. Henderson is sidelined after sustaining a broken arm during England's previous match. Rice, who had been struggling with illness and was substituted at halftime during the quarter-final victory over Norway, has now recovered and is ready to play.

"Rice is ready to start and as well recovered as possible," Tuchel told reporters. The German coach expressed excitement about the prospect of England facing Argentina, acknowledging the deep-seated rivalry between the two footballing nations. "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," he said.

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Rice is ready to start and as well recovered as possible.

Despite the historical significance, including controversial past encounters like the 1986 quarter-final and the 1998 penalty shootout, Tuchel insisted that England would not use the rivalry as their primary motivation. "We don’t use it as a fuel," he stated. "We know why we are here, we know what we want... We are in the semi-finals, and we arrive very hungry. We want to have the next win."

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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 emphasized that while England respects their opponent, their focus remains on their own game and aspirations. The team is determined to secure the victory, driven by their own ambition rather than dwelling on past historical events. The semi-final match is anticipated to be an intense and emotional contest with significant momentum swings.

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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.