Declan Rice was taken off at half-time against Norway and the Arsenal star is still not fully recovered – and England could be without their most important midfielder when Argentina awaits in the semi-finals tomorrow Wednesday.
Declan Rice was one of several England players who struggled in the heat in Miami. He was substituted at half-time during the quarter-final against Norway, and according to BBC Sport, the 26-year-old is still struggling with the after-effects of the illness that forced him off the pitch.
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Now England will have to make a late decision on whether he will start against Argentina on Wednesday night.
There is said to be optimism about Rice’s ability to play – but the lingering doubts give Thomas Tuchel potential headaches in midfield.
Lack of options in the engine room
Rice’s partnership with Elliot Anderson in midfield is solidified – and the options outside of that pair aren’t many.
Right-back Reece James came on for Rice against Norway, and Tuchel took advantage of the Chelsea captain’s versatility. However, James had missed the previous three games due to a hamstring injury and has looked unstable in the games he has played in the tournament.
Jordan Henderson is out with the bizarre wrist injury he suffered during the celebration of the victory over Mexico. And Manchester United’s Kobbie Mainoo – who had a brilliant season at Old Trafford – has not played a single minute in the World Cup.
Given the scale of the occasion and the challenge England face against Lionel Messi and co, it is highly unlikely that Tuchel will start Mainoo.
James seems like the choice – but the risk is clear
Considering his familiarity with clubmate Enzo Fernández, James seems like the most obvious choice if Rice isn’t ready to start in Atlanta.
But James’ performance and the physical fitness of Ezri Konsa – who himself is nursing a hamstring injury after starting at right-back against Norway – means that the choice involves significant risk.
Rice has already battled through a hamstring injury to help England get to this point. He is undoubtedly crucial to England’s hopes of a first World Cup final since 1966.
Now it remains to be seen if he will be able to recover – or if Tuchel will have to take one of the tournament’s biggest chances.
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