Rice's Fitness for Semi-Final Under Review
England will make a last-minute decision regarding Declan Rice's fitness to start in the World Cup semi-final against Argentina.
There is optimism that the Arsenal midfielder can overcome the effects of an illness to participate in the match scheduled for Wednesday.
Rice was substituted at half-time during England's quarter-final victory over Norway in Miami after suffering from a sickness bug prior to the game.
Head coach Thomas Tuchel revealed that Rice had spent three days in bed before the match, which England won 2-1 after extra time.
"Rice had spent three days in bed before the match," Tuchel said.
It is understood that Rice has not fully recovered from the illness, which he contracted in Mexico during England's 3-2 last-16 win against the co-hosts, but his condition has significantly improved over the last 48 hours.
Currently, there is increasing hope that Rice will be fit enough to start in Atlanta.
Given the importance of the occasion, Rice is almost certain to declare himself fit for the semi-final.
However, due to the severity of the illness, England's medical staff will make a late decision on his availability.
Tuchel will monitor Rice's recovery progress closely before finalizing the decision on his inclusion.
Additional Health Concerns
Besides recovering from the sickness bug, Rice has been managing a neural issue affecting his lower back and hamstring for several months.
The midfielder, who has earned 78 caps, has started all but one of England's World Cup matches so far, missing only the 2-0 group-stage win over Panama due to an injury flare-up.
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