England gear up for clash against Panama

REPINO: Dele Alli had to withdraw from England's main training session and work alone yesterday as the Spurs midfielder continued to struggle with a thigh injury.

The midfielder will miss today’s match against Panama with a thigh strain, but is hoping to fitness in time for what is likely to be the group-deciding tie with Belgium next week.

Alli looked to be in some discomfort throughout the second half against Tunisia but was not withdrawn from action until the 80th minute. That led to initial concerns that he may have caused himself more damage, but scans on Tuesday confirmed the problem was not a major one.

However, Alli still looked to be feeling the effects of the injury as the Three Lions put the finishing touches on their preparations for their second group game at the Spartak Zelenogorsk Stadium.

The 22-year-old began the session with the main group but was withdrawn after the warm ups, all but ending any hope of featuring in today’s game at the Nizhny Novgorod stadium.

England boss Gareth Southgate admitted that there was only a 'slim chance' Alli would be involved on Friday.

Ruben Loftus-Cheek is likely to come in for Alli against Panama while there is also a suggestion that Raheem Sterling will make way for Marcus Rashford after the notes of first team coach Steve Holland were spotted, which indicated such a change.

The rest of the squad looked in good spirits on a sunny morning in Saint Petersburg, spending plenty of time playing with a Nerf Vortex howler — a giant sponge dart which they threw to each-other.

England are in a strong position to make it through to the knockout stages after Harry Kane's injury time winner in their opening game against Tunisia last weekend.

Southgate's men sit second in Group G, behind Belgium on goal difference, and could potentially seal their place in the last-16 with a victory today.