Rice trained with the squad as optimism grows over his ability to start after illness
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Declan Rice trained on the eve of England’s World Cup semi-final against Argentina as optimism grows over the midfielder’s ability to start after illness.
Thomas Tuchel’s men take on Lionel Messi and co in Atlanta on Wednesday seeking to seal a place in Sunday’s MetLife Stadium showpiece.
England secured their place in the semi-finals with a narrow 2-1 extra-time victory against Norway in Miami, where the unusually ineffective Rice was withdrawn at half-time.
Tuchel revealed after the quarter-final that the Arsenal star had been bedbound for three days in the build-up to the tie having fallen unwell after the last-16 trip to Mexico.
Declan Rice trained with the squad ahead of England’s semi-final against Argentina
Declan Rice trained with the squad ahead of England’s semi-final against Argentina (Getty)
Rice has also been dealing with nagging hamstring pain since Christmas but he trained with his team-mates at their Kansas City base before flying to Georgia on Tuesday.
Tuchel will provide an update on the midfielder’s availability at the pre-match press conference at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, but his ability to take part in the session is positive.
Fellow midfielder Jordan Henderson was the only member of the 26-man squad not to train having undergone arm surgery following his nasty fall in Mexico.
Versatile defender Jarell Quansah took part but his red card at the Estadio Azteca means he will sit out Wednesday’s semi-final as he completes a two-match ban.
Right-back Reece James is pushing to start having returned from a three-game absence with a hamstring issue as a second half substitute against Norway.
PA