Rice in bed for nearly three days before Norway game – Tuchel

Rice in Bed for Nearly Three Days Before Norway Game - Tuchel

Rice in bed for nearly three - England’s World Cup campaign took a dramatic turn as Jude Bellingham scored the decisive extra-time goal to secure a 2-1 victory over Norway and advance to the semi-finals. The win sets up a high-stakes clash against Argentina, who defeated Switzerland in their quarter-final, with the match scheduled for 20:00 BST on Wednesday, 15 July, and set to be broadcast live on the BBC.

Struggles with Illness

England’s manager, Thomas Tuchel, revealed that Declan Rice had been unwell for much of the three days prior to the game. The Arsenal midfielder had been battling a neural issue affecting his hamstring and lower back, and the condition worsened with illness. Despite training the night before the match, Rice was substituted at halftime, with Tuchel opting for Eberechi Eze as a replacement.

"We had some players struggling in the heat," Tuchel explained. "Ezri Konsa was one of them, dealing with cramps and hamstring problems. Declan, we made a decision in half-time to shift towards a more attacking approach."

Rice’s absence was a key factor in the team’s tactical adjustments. Tuchel emphasized that the decision to take Rice out early was strategic, considering his fatigue from the prior days. "Knowing he had been in bed for most of the three days, I knew he couldn’t last 90 minutes," the manager said. "There was a chance the game might go into extra time, so we didn’t want to waste another substitution later."

Bellingham’s Heroics

Jude Bellingham emerged as a pivotal figure in England’s win, scoring both the equalizer and the winner in stoppage time. The midfielder’s performance came after England fell behind following Andreas Schjelderup’s goal for Norway. Bellingham’s efforts not only salvaged the match but also highlighted his growing importance to the Three Lions squad.

Rice, who played a crucial role in Arsenal’s Premier League triumph last season, has started five of England’s six matches at the 2026 World Cup. His only missed game was the group opener against Panama. Tuchel’s decision to rest Rice for the Norway encounter underscores the challenges of managing player health in extreme conditions.

Tuchel’s Tactical Shift

"I made the decision when we were 1-0 down and didn’t want to backtrack on it because of the equaliser," Tuchel added. "The plan was to keep Declan on the bench and focus on maintaining momentum with a more aggressive strategy."

The victory marks a pivotal moment in England’s journey, as the semi-final against Argentina promises to be a test of endurance and skill. With the World Cup’s knockout phase approaching, the BBC continues to cover the action, ensuring fans stay updated on the evolving tournament landscape.