%20rotate(-8.06)%22%2F%3E%0A%20%20%3Cpolygon%20class%3D%22cls-1%22%20points%3D%22336.19%20136.81%20330.16%2094.25%20326.06%2071.19%20326.44%2071.13%20335.22%2093.54%20352.29%20134.52%20373.95%20131.46%20362.7%2052.01%20350.02%2053.8%20356.05%2096.36%20360.15%20119.42%20359.77%20119.48%20350.99%2097.08%20333.91%2056.09%20312.25%2059.15%20323.51%20138.6%20336.19%20136.81%22%2F%3E%0A%20%20%3Cpolygon%20class%3D%22cls-1%22%20points%3D%22402.91%2059.3%20412.36%20126.02%20427.17%20123.92%20417.72%2057.21%20431.59%2055.24%20429.79%2042.51%20387.23%2048.53%20389.04%2061.27%20402.91%2059.3%22%2F%3E%0A%20%20%3Cpolygon%20class%3D%22cls-1%22%20points%3D%22463.51%20118.77%20458.69%2084.71%20474.68%2082.44%20479.51%20116.5%20494.36%20114.4%20483.11%2034.95%20468.26%2037.06%20472.96%2070.25%20456.96%2072.52%20452.26%2039.32%20437.4%2041.43%20448.65%20120.88%20463.51%20118.77%22%2F%3E%0A%20%20%3Cpolygon%20class%3D%22cls-1%22%20points%3D%22540.5%20107.87%20538.77%2095.68%20518.91%2098.49%20515.77%2076.29%20535.63%2073.47%20533.93%2061.5%20514.07%2064.32%20511.11%2043.42%20530.98%2040.61%20529.25%2028.42%20494.53%2033.34%20505.78%20112.78%20540.5%20107.87%22%2F%3E%0A%20%20%3Cpolygon%20class%3D%22cls-1%22%20points%3D%22299.03%20155.17%20301.29%20171.58%20542.78%20138.39%20540.5%20121.97%20299.03%20155.17%22%2F%3E%0A%3C%2Fsvg%3E)
England are one step away from reaching the semi-finals of the 2026 World Cup and standing in their way are Norway. The two nations do battle at Miami Stadium on Saturday.
Declan Rice has been crucial for the Three Lions despite heading to North America off the back of an exhausting campaign with Arsenal. He has been a warrior in the middle of the park, working his socks off, including in the incredible 3-2 win over Mexico at the Azteca.
The 27-year-old is proving just why the Gunners fanbase believes he is one of, if not the best, midfielders in the world. But Thomas Tuchel has been handed a huge headache ahead of the quarter-final against Norway.
England risking Rice vs Norway
Rice is dealing with a bug and has sat out two training sessions, per The Independent. While Tuchel is optimistic he'll be fit to play against Norway, there are concerns over his fitness ahead of the quarter-final clash.
If the Arsenal man is able to start in Miami, he runs the risk of picking up a suspension. A yellow card against the Norwegians would mean he misses a semi-final if the Three Lions win.
Rice has played all but one of England's five games thus far, including the full 90 minutes in the win over Mexico. He has looked fatigued at times, clearly feeling the effects of a gruelling season with the Gunners.
That said, there's little to no chance of Rice not starting against Norway if he's deemed fit. He is so important for Tuchel and that includes his versatility having moved into a right-back role in the 2-1 win against DR Congo in the Round of 32.
Rice could come up against his Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard when the two sides meet on Saturday. The pair often partner up in midfield but will be doing battle for their countries for a place in the World Cup semi-finals.
Martin Odegaard hails Declan Rice
Odegaard spoke glowingly about his club teammate ahead of the game: "He's someone who always gives absolutely everything for the team, always fighting for every single ball, bringing his energy to the pitch, to the team, driving the team forward."
That fight and passion is why England fans love Rice and expect him to play through the pain barrier. He starred for Arsenal in their Premier League title winning campaign.
Odegaard added: "He can do so many things on the pitch. He can defend, he can attack, he can be physical, he can be good on the ball. He's a very complete player, so it's going to be a good test for all of us."
Should Tuchel's men defeat Norway, they will face either Argentina or Switzerland in the semi-finals. Rice has valuable experience to help the Three Lions try to make the final.
Add us as a preferred source on Google