England handed major new selection boost for Argentina World Cup semi-final | OneFootball

Good news for Thomas Tuchel as Three Lions prepare for massive last-four clash

Declan Rice has shaken off illness in time to make himself available for England’s World Cup semi-final showdown against Argentina.

The Three Lions’ influential vice-captain has had to battle fatigue, a stomach bug, calf issues and long-term neural pain in his hamstring and lower back during England’s eventful run to the last four in North America this summer.

The Arsenal midfielder was substituted at half-time during Saturday’s tense quarter-final win over Norway in Miami, replaced by Gunners team-mate Eberechi Eze.

While England head coach Thomas Tuchel said that was due to his desire to make a positive tactical switch, Rice looked exhausted as he left the stadium after the match.

Ready to go: Declan Rice is expected to start as England face Argentina in the World Cup semi-finals

He spent most of the three days leading up to the Norway game in bed due to a stomach bug.

But Standard Sport understands that Rice is set to be ready to play in Wednesday’s blockbuster semi-final tie against defending champions Argentina at Atlanta Stadium.

Rice - who was also taken off in the Group L opener against Croatia and later rested for the win over Panama - started to feel better once England returned to their Kansas City training base following the extra-time victory over Norway, sealed by two goals from Jude Bellingham.

The Major League Soccer (MLS) referee awarded Brazil two penalties in their shock last-16 defeat by Norway, also taking charge of the Netherlands’ dramatic draw with Japan during the group stage and Spain’s feisty win over Uruguay.