Tuchel confirms Rice fit for Argentina clash as England target World Cup final

England manager Thomas Tuchel has confirmed that midfielder Declan Rice is fit to start Wednesday’s FIFA World Cup semi-final against defending champions Argentina after recovering from illness.

Speaking at his pre-match press conference in Atlanta on Tuesday, Tuchel said all of his available players were fit for the showdown, with the exception of suspended defender Jarell Quansah and injured midfielder Jordan Henderson.

“Everyone is fit to start and everyone was in training except for Jarell (Quansah) who is suspended and Jordan Henderson,” Tuchel told reporters.

Henderson will miss the match after suffering a broken arm in a freak accident following England’s Round of 16 victory over co-hosts Mexico.

Providing an update on Rice, who was substituted at half-time during England’s quarter-final win over Norway, Tuchel said the Arsenal midfielder had fully recovered.

“Rice is ready to start and as well recovered as possible,” he said.

The England boss also reflected on the historic rivalry between England and Argentina, describing the encounter as one of international football’s biggest fixtures.

“It is a big rivalry, two big football nations, everyone who loves football and follows the World Cup knows about this and about what it brings.

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“We expect an intense and emotional match, with a lot of momentum swings,” Tuchel said.

The rivalry includes Argentina’s famous 2-1 victory over England in the 1986 World Cup quarter-finals, when Diego Maradona scored both the controversial “Hand of God” goal and one of the greatest goals in World Cup history.

Argentina also knocked England out on penalties in the 1998 Round of 16 after David Beckham was sent off.

Despite the history between the two nations, Tuchel insisted his players were focused solely on the task ahead.

“We don’t use it as a fuel.

“We know why we are here, we know what we want, we were never shy of expecting that from ourselves, and of saying it or of dreaming it.

“We are in the semi-finals, and we arrive very hungry. We want to have the next win. We respect our opponent but we don’t dip into historic events and we don’t make it bigger than it is.”

England secured their place in the last four with a 2-1 victory over Norway, while Argentina defeated Switzerland after extra time to continue their defence of the World Cup title.

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