England will make a late decision on whether Declan Rice is fit to start the World Cup semi-final against Argentina.

But there remains optimism the Arsenal midfielder can shake off the effects of an illness to play on Wednesday.

Rice, who suffered with a sickness bug in the lead-up to Saturday's quarter-final victory over Norway in Miami, was substituted at half-time.

Head coach Thomas Tuchel admitted afterwards that Rice had spent three days in bed before the match, which England won 2-1 after extra time.

It is understood Rice still has not recovered fully from the illness - picked up in Mexico, where England beat the co-hosts 3-2 in the last 16 - but his condition has improved markedly over the past 48 hours.

As things stand, there is growing hope he will be well enough to start in Atlanta.

Rice is almost certain to rule himself fit for the semi-final given the enormity of the occasion.

But given the severity of the illness, England medics are set to make a late call on his availability.

And Tuchel will wait to see how rapidly his condition improves before making a final decision on whether to pick him.

In addition to his recovery from the sickness bug, Rice has also been carrying a neural problem for several months, affecting his lower back and hamstring.

The midfielder, who has 78 caps, has started all but one of England's World Cup games so far, missing the 2-0 group-stage win over Panama because of an injury flare-up.

American Elfath to referee semi-final

Ismail Elfath shows a red card to Agustin Canobbio Ismail Elfath sent off Uruguay midfielder Agustin Canobbio in stoppage time defeat against Spain

Fifa has announced American referee Ismail Elfath will take charge of Wednesday's semi-final.

The 44-year-old officiated group games between Japan and the Netherlands and Uruguay versus Spain in the tournament, as well as Norway's last-16 win over five-time winners Brazil.

He has issued six yellow cards and shown Uruguay midfielder Agustin Canobbio a straight red card for a high challenge on Spain defender Pau Cubarsi.

After he was dismissed, Canobbio confronted the referee and grabbed his shirt.

This is Elfath's second appearance at a World Cup having officiated at the 2022 tournament in Qatar, where he was the fourth official for the final between France and Argentina.

In a group game between Cameroon and Brazil, Elfath shook the hand of Vincent Aboubakar before sending him off the striker for taking his shirt off while celebrating Cameroon's winner.

Elfath, who has officiated in Major League Soccer since 2012 and has twice won MLS referee of the year, will be assisted by fellow Americans Corey Parker and Kyle Atkins while Italian Maurizio Mariani is the fourth official.

Originally from Morocco, Elfath moved to America as an 18-year-old after winning a US government backed diversity visa lottery. (BBC)

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