England’s Journey to the World Cup Semifinals
England midfielder Declan Rice has been crucial for the Three Lions at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. During England’s 2-1 victory over DR Congo in the Round of 32, Rice was called to shift to right-back unexpectedly, describing this change as “the hardest 12 minutes of the game.” However, unknown to him at the time, the quarterfinal would present its own challenges.
Manager Thomas Tuchel substituted Rice just before halftime in the quarterfinal against Norway, a match England won 2-1. Tuchel later explained, “We had to take Elliot [Anderson] or Declan out,” referring to Rice’s recent illness that kept him bedridden. “I knew he cannot survive 90 minutes,” he stated, explaining Rice’s condition prior to the match, as reported by BBC Sport.
Despite his previous health issues, Rice is expected to play a bigger role when England meets Argentina in the semifinal on Wednesday, July 15. According to Craig Hope of the Daily Mail, Rice had endured three days in bed with a sickness bug, which was evident as he played under the heat and humidity of Miami. Yet, Rice is reportedly feeling much better and participated in training on Monday. He continues to manage hamstring and back pain but is optimistic about his availability for the upcoming match in Atlanta against the world champions.
England’s journey to the semifinal has been demanding. Their triumph over Mexico at the Azteca Stadium in the Round of 16 marked a historic win, making them the first team to defeat the home side at the venue since 2013, even after playing most of the second half with only ten men. The match against Norway pushed the team into extra time, with captain Harry Kane noting it was “harder than Mexico” due to Miami’s extreme heat and humidity.
Now, England faces the task of beating Lionel Messi and the defending champions to keep their hope alive of winning the World Cup for the first time since 1966. Concurrently, France and Spain will compete in the other semifinal, with the World Cup final set for Sunday, July 19.