England’s Declan Rice race against time to face Argentina in World Cup semi-final

England are set to leave it late before deciding whether Declan Rice can start Wednesday’s World Cup semi-final against Argentina. There is growing confidence inside the camp that the Arsenal midfielder will shake off the sickness bug that has plagued him since the last-16 tie in Mexico. Rice was forced off at half-time of Saturday’s quarter-final win over Norway in Miami, a game England won 2-1 after extra time. Head coach Thomas Tuchel revealed after that match that Rice had spent three days in bed before kick-off. The illness, picked up after England’s 3-2 victory over co-hosts Mexico, has lingered, but his condition has improved significantly over the past 48 hours. While Rice is almost certain to want to play given the magnitude of a World Cup semi-final, England’s medical staff will make a final call on his availability. Tuchel plans to wait and see how Rice responds in the hours before kick-off in Atlanta. Complicating matters, Rice has also been managing a neural issue affecting his lower back and hamstring for several months. The 78-cap midfielder has started every World Cup game bar one – the 2-0 group-stage win over Panama, which he missed due to an injury flare-up.