Declan Rice's fitness is a major concern for England manager Thomas Tuchel ahead of the World Cup semi-final against Argentina. The Arsenal midfielder was forced off at half-time during the quarter-final win over Norway after being laid low with a sickness bug. While reports suggest he has recovered, the risk of starting him is a gamble Tuchel does not need to take.
Rice's Exhausting Season
Rice is known for his tireless running, but this season he has made 67 appearances for club and country since mid-August. In the Premier League alone, he played 3,099 minutes and covered over 380 kilometres. For club and country since the start of last season, he has played 5,312 minutes, roughly covering over 400 miles on the pitch. Such a workload raises questions about fatigue and the so-called 'red zone'.
Performance Against Norway
Against Norway, Rice was nowhere near his normal self, looking exhausted early on. England improved after he was substituted for Eberechi Eze at half-time. Tuchel must make a cold-hearted decision based on medical advice. If Rice's recovery is not complete, he should not start.
Tuchel's Options
Tuchel has alternatives in midfield and should not be afraid to use them. Starting Rice could be a gamble that backfires, especially considering the high stakes of a World Cup semi-final. According to reports, Rice is feeling better, but a full recovery in such a short time seems unlikely given his poor first-half display.
Conclusion
Declan Rice is a fantastic footballer, but his fitness is a question mark. Tuchel must prioritize the team's performance over sentiment. Not starting Rice is the prudent choice to avoid a potential setback.
