Rice in bed for nearly three days before Norway game - Tuchel
Retold by Oddsrama · 12 July 2026
Declan Rice's preparation for England's World Cup quarter-final against Norway was far from ideal. Manager Thomas Tuchel revealed that the Arsenal midfielder spent nearly three days in bed battling illness ahead of the 2-1 knockout victory, adding another layer of difficulty to what was already a challenging fixture. Despite starting the match in Miami's brutal heat, Rice visibly struggled and was withdrawn at half-time as England shifted to a more attacking setup, with Jude Bellingham's extra-time heroics eventually sealing progression to the semi-finals.
Rice had already been dealing with a neural issue affecting his hamstring and lower back before illness compounded his fitness concerns. He managed to train the day before the Norway clash but was never going to last the full 90 minutes. Tuchel's decision to substitute him early was a calculated one—with the prospect of extra-time looming and limited changes remaining in the tank, pulling Rice off at the interval preserved England's tactical flexibility. The boss understood his midfielder couldn't withstand a potential 120-minute battle after three days of being sidelined by sickness.
For bettors tracking England's form heading into their semi-final showdown with Argentina, Rice's fitness status is worth monitoring closely. His presence in midfield has been crucial throughout the tournament, starting five of six matches, and his availability going forward could shift how you assess the Three Lions' prospects. While Eberechi Eze proved an able replacement against Norway, losing a player of Rice's calibre to illness late in a competition always carries a measure of risk. England's depth will be tested further as they chase World Cup glory.
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