England edged Norway 2-1 in the World Cup quarter-final at Miami Stadium, securing a semi‑final slot against Argentina. Thomas Tuchel revealed that Declan Rice spent most of the three days leading up to the match confined to bed with a neural issue that worsened his hamstring and lower‑back pain. Rice started the game but looked fatigued in the stifling heat and was withdrawn at halftime for Eberechi Eze. Norway took the lead through Andreas Schjelderup, but Jude Bellingham equalised just before the break and later netted the decisive goal in extra time.

Tuchel explained the half‑time tactical shift to a more offensive approach, noting that the decision to substitute Rice early was to preserve a fresh change should the match extend beyond 90 minutes. The manager also mentioned Ezri Konsa suffering cramps and hamstring issues. Rice, a key figure in Arsenal's title‑winning side, has featured in five of England's six World Cup matches, missing only the Panama group game.

The victory propels England into a high‑stakes semi‑final on 15 July, where a win would place them in the final and reinforce their status as tournament favourites.