England are preparing for their World Cup semi-final match against Argentina with few new injury concerns. The team’s head coach, Thomas Tuchel, has several options as he finalises his starting lineup for the crucial encounter.
Only two players are expected to be unavailable for England. Jordan Henderson is still recovering from surgery on a broken arm, an injury sustained during celebrations after the victory against Mexico in the last 16. Additionally, defender Jarell Quansah is suspended due to a red card received in the same match.
Squad Fitness Updates
Declan Rice, the Arsenal midfielder, is anticipated to overcome an illness that disrupted his preparation for the quarter-final against Norway. He had spent most of the three days prior to that match in bed due to illness. However, reports indicate that Rice has been feeling much better since the team returned to their base in Kansas City before travelling to Atlanta. He trained fully on Tuesday and is expected to start alongside Elliot Anderson in midfield against the reigning world champions.
Another fitness concern was Ezri Konsa, the Aston Villa defender, who was substituted against Norway because of cramp. Despite this, Konsa is expected to be available to start at right-back once more. There is also a possibility that Tuchel might recall Reece James, the Chelsea captain, who came on as a second-half substitute in the game against Norway. Bukayo Saka is another player who could start after making an impression off the bench.
Tuchel has not yet fielded the same starting back four in consecutive matches during the World Cup. However, he has considered maintaining the defensive lineup that began the quarter-final against Norway. That quartet included Ezri Konsa, John Stones, Marc Guehi, and Nico O’Reilly. It is understood that Tuchel was pleased with their performance in the 2-1 victory.
Goalkeeper’s Perspective on the Semi-final
Jordan Pickford, England‘s goalkeeper, has emphasised the importance of maintaining composure against Argentina. He stated that the players are aware they must keep their heads and not be sidetracked by the historical rivalry between the two nations. The semi-final in Atlanta marks the first time England will face Argentina in the World Cup since 2002, a fixture with significant history.
Pickford believes that remaining calm could be crucial for securing a victory. He noted the team’s desire to win titles throughout the tournament, highlighting their respectful approach within games, regardless of referee decisions. This, he suggested, demonstrates their focus and mentality, allowing their football to speak for itself.
When asked about facing Lionel Messi for the first time, Pickford expressed anticipation, having watched him extensively as a child. He acknowledged Messi‘s quality but stressed that the team cannot focus solely on him, recognising the strength of the entire Argentina squad. Authorities in Atlanta are on high alert for Wednesday’s semi-final, with thousands of supporters from both countries expected.
Pickford acknowledged the game’s significance but reiterated the importance of not getting caught up in the occasion. He described the match as a football game between two passionate sets of fans, bringing nations together. He highlighted that England and Argentina, along with Spain and France, are among the top four nations in the rankings, all vying for a spot in the final. The referee for the game in Atlanta will be Ismail Elfath, an American official who previously oversaw Norway‘s win against Brazil in the last 16.
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Source: bbc.com
