England will delay a decision on Declan Rice’s fitness until close to kick-off in Wednesday’s World Cup semi-final against Argentina.
The Arsenal midfielder is still recovering from illness, though there is growing optimism he will be available in Atlanta.
Rice was substituted at half-time of Saturday’s 2-1 extra-time quarter-final win over Norway in Miami. Thomas Tuchel later revealed the 27-year-old had spent three days in bed before the match with a sickness bug.
England to make late call on Rice for Argentina semi-final
The illness was picked up in Mexico, where England beat the co-hosts 3-2 in the last 16. Rice has not fully recovered, but his condition is understood to have improved markedly over the past 48 hours.
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England’s medical staff will assess him late, given the severity of the illness. Tuchel is expected to monitor his progress in training before finalising his team.
Rice is almost certain to declare himself available, given the magnitude of the occasion. He has started all but one of England’s matches at the tournament, missing the 2-0 group-stage win over Panama.
That absence was caused by a separate problem. Rice has been managing a neural issue affecting his lower back and hamstring for several months.
Elsewhere, England are monitoring several players who completed 120 minutes against Norway in punishing heat. Harry Kane, Elliot Anderson, Marc Guehi and John Stones will all be assessed in training this week.
Tuchel holds his pre-match press conference on Tuesday, when he will provide a fuller update on his squad. Argentina, who needed extra time to beat Switzerland 3-1, await in Atlanta.
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