England midfielder Declan Rice has been declared fit for their Fifa World Cup semi-final against Argentina.
Lionel Messi's Argentina clash with England in a marquee World Cup semi-final on Wednesday, with a relentless Spain lying in wait after shattering French hopes of a third global triumph.
The fixture between two of the undisputed heavyweights of world football is mouthwatering enough on paper, but the on-pitch battle is inevitably heightened by decades of intense historical and political tension.
Lionel Scaloni's Argentina are seeking to become the first team since the legendary Brazil side of 1962 to retain the World Cup — a feat that would provide a staggering, fairytale send-off for the incomparable Messi.
The 39-year-old playmaker, who currently sits joint-top of the Golden Boot standings with eight goals, inspired his nation to glory in Qatar in 2022 in what was universally expected to be his final bow on the grandest stage. Yet, he has returned to lead the charge, playing a crucial role in dragging the Albiceleste to the final four with decisive goals in hard-fought 3-2 victories over both Cape Verde and Egypt.
