Manager Thomas Tuchel has confirmed that midfielder Declan Rice is healthy enough to open the match against Argentina in the World Cup semi-final. Speaking in Atlanta, Tuchel noted that while the squad is largely healthy, Jarell Quansah remains sidelined due to suspension, and Jordan Henderson is unavailable following a broken arm sustained against Mexico.
Rice had been battling an illness that forced his early departure during the quarter-final victory over Norway, but Tuchel expressed confidence in his recovery. The England coach highlighted the high stakes of facing Argentina, a team with a storied competitive history against the English side dating back to the 1986 and 1998 tournaments.
Despite the legacy of these matchups, Tuchel dismissed the idea that past grievances would serve as motivation. He emphasized that the team remains focused on their current goal rather than historical narratives, noting that the squad is eager to secure another victory in what promises to be a high-intensity encounter.
