Who does Declan Rice play for? At international level, the answer is England, and the expectation is that the 27-year-old will be fit to start Wednesday's World Cup semi-final against Argentina in Atlanta.
That is important for England because Rice was substituted at half-time in the quarter-final win over Norway, and had spent most of the previous three days in bed with illness. Even so, the latest indication is that he should retain his place as England move one step away from the final.
England's midfield question
Rice's availability matters because England are now in the most demanding part of the tournament. A World Cup semi-final against Argentina is not the place for uncertainty in midfield, especially when the next result decides whether a team goes home or reaches the final.
England returned to their base in Kansas City on Tuesday for the final time before travelling on to Atlanta, and the mood around the squad appears to be one of focus rather than alarm. Rice's illness has been a talking point, but it has not yet changed the picture enough to suggest he will miss out.
For supporters asking who does Declan Rice play for, the simple answer is England internationally and Arsenal at club level. In this setting, though, it is England that matters most, because Rice is expected to be one of the central figures in Thomas Tuchel's team.
Why Rice matters so much
England have long leaned on Rice for control, protection and calm in central areas. Against Argentina, that role becomes even more significant. The opposition and the occasion bring extra pressure, and England know the margin for error will be tiny.
Jordan Pickford has already underlined the bigger mindset around the camp. He said England cannot focus solely on Lionel Messi, and added that the squad have shown throughout the tournament that they want to win titles without getting drawn into unnecessary trouble. He also described the chance to face Messi as great, saying he had watched him a lot as a kid.
That is the right frame for England's semi-final: respect the threat, but do not lose focus. If Rice is cleared to start as expected, England will feel more settled. If he is not at full speed, the question becomes whether they can maintain the same balance in a match where one moment can change everything.
Either way, the headline answer is clear. Declan Rice plays for England, and England are hoping he is ready to play a major part again when they face Argentina on Wednesday.
