RASHFORD’S A SLIGHT WORRY FOR ENGLAND
Forward Marcus Rashford picked up a “slight knock” before the England squad travelled to Russia for the World Cup.
The Three Lions landed in St Petersburg yesterday, en route to their training base in Repino, with the tournament getting under way when hosts Russia face Saudi Arabia tomorrow.
England boss Gareth Southgate confirmed there were no major injury concerns, but revealed that Manchester United forward Rashford would be assessed ahead of the first scheduled open training session today.
“Marcus took a slight knock, but nothing too serious, so we will have a look at that ahead of the session which is open for everybody to see, but other than that, everybody came through fine,” Southgate said at St Petersburg airport.
“Across three weeks, we have been really pleased to get the 23 we picked through all of the sessions.”
The England boss added that he would “probably know” his starting XI for the Group G opener against Tunisia in Volgograd on June 18 “if it was tomorrow”, but insisted there was still plenty of time for players to stake their claim.
“We have another week of preparation and a lot of competition for places. That is good, things can change pretty quickly,” Southgate said before the squad headed off to their base at the ForRest Mix Club in Repino.
“You can pick knocks up, there is one or two very close calls that we can see how we players are when we get into sessions here.”
Harry Kane will lead England into the World Cup as captain.
The Tottenham forward believes the squad can build on a positive atmosphere within the camp.
“We are obviously excited to be here now. We just wanted to get over here and settled to start to prepare for the games ahead,” he said. “It is a World Cup – there is always going to be pressure, nerves and excitement.
“For us, it is about working hard and training hard until the game, then going out there and having some fun.”
England’s 23-man squad includes 11 black, Asian and ethnic minority players – the highest number they have taken to any major competition.
Ashley Young insists he has no concerns over his family travelling out to support the Three Lions.
There are widespread concerns surrounding racism on the eve of the World Cup, with the Russian Football Union fined £22,000 by FIFA for racist chanting in a March friendly against France in St Petersburg.
Such potential flash points led to Tottenham defender Danny Rose asking his family to remain behind at home amid fears of racist abuse.
But Young will have his family present at the games and backed the FA’s security measures to keep everyone safe.
The hosts for the 2026 World Cup will be decided today, with Morocco, bidding for a fifth time, up against a joint bid from the United States, Canada and Mexico.