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Arsenal handed Declan Rice concern as eight stars chase World Cup

Declan Rice in Arsenal colours amid a World Cup fitness concern

Eight Arsenal players remain in contention to win the World Cup after England beat Martin Ødegaard’s Norway 2-1 following extra time.

Declan Rice and Noni Madueke started for England in Miami, while Ødegaard captained Norway in their first World Cup quarter-final.

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The Arsenal skipper created the opening goal after 36 minutes. His pass released Andreas Schjelderup, whose attempted cross drifted beyond Jordan Pickford.

It was Ødegaard’s fourth assist of the tournament. Only France forward Michael Olise has registered more.

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Jude Bellingham equalised before half-time, but England made two Arsenal-related changes during the interval.

Bukayo Saka replaced Madueke on the right wing. Rice also came off after struggling with illness during the build-up to the game.

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Arsenal monitor Rice after England victory

Eberechi Eze joined the action later before Bellingham scored England’s winner early in extra time.

The result ended the tournament of Ødegaard. However, Arsenal are guaranteed to have at least one representative in the final.

England will face Argentina on Wednesday, with Rice, Saka, Madueke and Eze still involved.

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William Saliba’s France meet Spain in the other semi-final. Mikel Merino, Martin Zubimendi and David Raya remain part of the Spanish squad.

Rice’s withdrawal will attract the most attention at Arsenal. The midfielder had missed training because of illness before starting against Norway, as ReadArsenal reported ahead of the quarter-final.

Thomas Tuchel said the substitution was partly designed to make England more attacking, although Rice’s recent fitness problems remain something for Mikel Arteta to monitor.

England’s 2-1 extra-time victory means all eight remaining Arsenal players will stay with their countries until the final weekend.

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