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Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice has been managing physical issues throughout the tournament, and Thomas Tuchel has now detailed the reason behind his substitution during England’s 2-1 victory over Norway.

The Three Lions advanced to the World Cup semi-finals after edging out the Norwegians in extra time at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, Florida. Jude Bellingham struck twice to secure England’s place in the last four, where they will meet either Argentina or Switzerland.

Concerns had already been raised regarding Rice’s fitness in the lead-up to the quarter-final, as the Arsenal star was contending with lower back and hamstring troubles before the 3-2 triumph over Mexico in the Round of 16.

Additionally, the midfielder had been unwell earlier in the week, suffering from a virus that confined him to bed for several days. Despite this setback, he recovered sufficiently to earn a starting spot in Tuchel’s lineup.

However, Rice was substituted at half-time and replaced by his Arsenal teammate Eberechi Eze. Fellow Gunners Bukayo Saka and Noni Madueke also exchanged positions during the match.

In the days leading up to the clash with Norway, Rice had reportedly spent “most of the time in bed” while recovering from his illness. Tuchel, formerly in charge of Chelsea, disclosed that his decision to make the change was premeditated and that Bellingham’s stoppage-time equaliser in the first half did not alter his plan.

“It was neither [illness nor injury],” Tuchel told BBC Sport. “We wanted a more offensive change. We knew Declan would not last 90 minutes, let alone 120 minutes, so we took him off.”

England will now turn their focus to the semi-final in Georgia, where they will take on either Argentina or Switzerland at the Atlanta Stadium on Wednesday.