The highly-anticipated 2026 World Cup semi-final clash between England and Argentina is less than two days away. As we approach arguably the biggest game in the tournament so far, let’s take a look at some injury news.
Three Lions fans and head coach Thomas Tuchel will be hoping for a clean bill of health. Unfortunately, they might not be quite so lucky. Four England players have injury doubts hanging over their heads ahead of the Argentina game.
While some are certainly more doubtful than others, England supporters will be biting their nails nonetheless over their levels of fitness.
We won’t be including former Liverpool men Jordan Henderson or Jarell Quansah in this list, as they are both confirmed absentees. Henderson is recovering from wrist surgery, while Quansah is serving the second game of his two-match red card suspension after being sent off against Mexico.
Previously, we took a look at five Argentina players who England will need to watch out for, as well as a combined XI between the two rivals.
Declan Rice
Declan Rice has been struggling with a number of issues throughout the World Cup. He went into the competition with both a lower back injury and a hamstring injury, but has persevered through both.
Then, in the build up to the Norway game, Rice was reportedly in bed for three days before kick-off. He was then brought off at half-time, giving fans yet more reasons to worry.
Despite this, Rice may well yet be fit to play against Argentina. BBC Sport reports that Tuchel will make a ‘late decision’ regarding his fitness. At this stage, only time will tell.
Nico O’Reilly
Nico O’Reilly had a decent game against Norway, doing everything that was required of him, but was nonetheless brought off late into normal time for Djed Spence.
He gestured to his hamstring before he was taken off the pitch, implying that he may have picked up an injury that could’ve ruled him out of the rest of the World Cup. Hamstring strains aren’t to be taken lightly.
Regardless, according to Sky Sports, the Manchester City wonderkid is ‘expected’ to be able to play against Argentina with no issues.
Bukayo Saka
Despite being declared ‘ready to go’ for England ahead of their quarter-final clash with Norway, Arsenal ace Bukayo Saka still missed out on the starting XI.
In his place was Gunners teammate Noni Madueke, who failed to have much of an impact, despite having a solid tournament up until that point.
Saka was brought on at half-time and looked somewhat livier. We’d expect him to be at full fitness ahead of the Argentina game, now that he has had a bit more time to recover from his Achilles problem.
Jude Bellingham
We’ll be honest, this one is a bit of stretch, but England cannot afford star man Jude Bellingham to miss out on such a crucial encounter.
Argentinian outlet TyC Sports has reported that Bellingham was ‘holding his shoulder’ whilst receiving instructions from Tuchel. A few months ago, he underwent surgery on that same shoulder, sparking fears that he might have re-aggravated a previous issue.
Nevertheless, there is nothing to suggest that he won’t be fit to play against Argentina. He may have to wear protective gear, but it’s highly unlikely to rule him out.