England manager Thomas Tuchel has received a significant boost ahead of the World Cup semi-final against Argentina, as four key players have avoided yellow card suspensions. Marc Guehi, Jude Bellingham, Nico O’Reilly, and Declan Rice are all available for the match after they avoided a yellow card in the 2-1 victory over Norway, which would have triggered a one-game ban.
FIFA Yellow Card Rules
FIFA's current regulations state that any player booked in two separate matches must serve a one-match suspension. Bellingham was cautioned against DR Congo in the round of 32, while Guehi, O’Reilly, and Rice all received yellow cards against Mexico in the last-16. Had any of them been booked against Norway, they would have missed the semi-final against Argentina.
Despite a tense and closely contested game, all four players avoided a booking, ensuring their availability for the clash with the 2022 World Cup winners. Rice also received a yellow card against Ghana in the group stage, but FIFA rules reset the count after the group stage and quarter-finals.
No Suspension Risk for Final
No England player is at risk of suspension for the World Cup final, should the team reach it, unless they receive a straight red card. The same rule applied to Bayer Leverkusen defender Jarell Quansah, whose yellow card against Panama during the group stage was wiped. However, his straight red card for a foul on Mexico’s Jesus Gallardo in the last-16 victory at the Azteca Stadium resulted in a two-game suspension, as FIFA deemed it serious foul play. Quansah will be available again if England reaches the final.
Bellingham's Impact
The availability of Jude Bellingham is particularly crucial. The Real Madrid midfielder has scored a brace against both Mexico and Norway, joining captain Harry Kane as England's joint-top goalscorer at the 2026 World Cup. Both players have six goals, two behind France’s Kylian Mbappe and Lionel Messi, who each have eight.
Historical Context: England vs Argentina
This will be Lionel Messi’s first ever game against England. He could have faced them after his debut in August 2005 against Bosnia & Herzegovina, but his red card in that match meant he missed the subsequent friendly against England in Switzerland, which England won 3-2 thanks to a Michael Owen double.
England and Argentina have a storied history in the World Cup. In 1998, Argentina knocked England out in the last 16 on penalties after a controversial red card for David Beckham. In 2002, the two sides drew 1-1 in the group stage, with Beckham scoring a penalty. The most famous meeting remains the 1986 quarter-final, where Diego Maradona scored the infamous 'Hand of God' goal and a stunning solo effort to eliminate England.
Team News and Fitness
Thomas Tuchel revealed post-match that Declan Rice, who was substituted at half-time against Norway for Eberechi Eze, had spent three days in bed due to illness. However, the Arsenal midfielder is expected to be available. Reece James also returned from the bench against Norway after missing games since an injury against Ghana in the group stage. Ezri Konsa, who played at right-back against Norway, was taken off with cramp rather than a muscular injury, according to Tuchel, and should also be available for the semi-final.
The match is set to take place in temperate Atlanta on Wednesday evening. With historical, political, and footballing tensions between the two nations, the game is expected to be fiercely contested. England will be relieved that key starters like Rice, Guehi, O’Reilly, and Bellingham can feature.
