Thomas Tuchel will have an almost fully fit squad to choose from when he selects his England team to face Argentina in tomorrow night's World Cup semi-final. The Three Lions have had three days to recover from their energy-sapping exploits in their win over Norway, which came hot on the heels of another tough, physical examination against Mexico.
Declan Rice and Nico O'Reilly Declared Fit
Declan Rice, who has been nursed throughout the course of the tournament, was able only to complete 45 minutes at the weekend having gone down with a sickness bug. The Arsenal midfield powerhouse did, however, take a full part in training on Monday and has been rendered fit enough to start against Argentina.
Nico O'Reilly, too, had been a doubt, with a hamstring strain that forced him off during the second half in Miami. The Manchester City defender's influence has grown over the course of his debut tournament for the senior England side. Sky Sports report that the 21-year-old had also been suffering from cramp, but the England physio team has nursed O'Reilly back to full health and he is expected to make the starting XI.
Tuchel's Selection Decisions
With Jordan Henderson nursing a broken arm and Jarrell Quansah suspended, Tuchel's main decisions will revolve around the composition of his right flank. Reece James is now back in contention and a viable option ahead of the likes of Djed Spence and Ezri Konsa, who filled in at the weekend. Bukayo Saka, meanwhile, looked more like his old self against Norway, but it remains to be seen whether he will be kept in reserve with Noni Madueke retaining his position despite having been singled out for criticism following another erratic display.
Bellingham and Kane Address Team Unity
Despite an apparent difference of opinion, Tuchel will pin many of his hopes on Jude Bellingham, who proved the matchwinner against Norway before taking issue with his manager's assessment of his side's performance. Speaking to BBC Sport, skipper Harry Kane addressed the post-match quotes and said: 'When you are playing a game like that and to be asked a question five minutes after the final whistle, and he didn't really know what had been said, what do you want Jude to say? We had just been through a battle. It is easy to try and create this division – it seems like an English thing to do at these major tournaments.'
Kane added: 'But it is the complete opposite. The group is where we are because of our complete togetherness – not just the players, the coach and the staff. Things sometimes get made out to be more than they are. He [Tuchel] wears his heart on his sleeve and people appreciate that. When he talks, it is never scripted. That is what makes him who he is. When it just comes natural you believe in that, you believe in what he is saying, you believe in his approach. He is one of the best managers in the world for a reason. We understand it. Over the past two years we have got to know him and know what makes him happy.'
