Warm welcomes, tea and bread but injury fears over Rashford

Marcus Rashford sat out England’s first training session in Russia due to a knee complaint as Gareth Southgate faced the first notable injury doubt of the World Cup build-up.

Preparations for Monday’s Group G opener against Tunisia could scarcely have gone any better up until now, with the initial 23-man selection remaining intact after beating Nigeria and Costa Rica.

Rashford shone in the latter friendly and scored a superb opener during a man-of-the-match display in last week’s Elland Road send-off, underlining his claims for a starting berth when the finals get under way.

But the 20-year-old’s hopes received a setback after missing England’s first training session in Russia with a slight knee injury.

The FA indicated Rashford’s absence was only a precautionary measure, but the forward was conspicuous by his absence in the first session at Spartak Zelenogorsk’s stadium.

England’s medical staff are treating a knee issue that Southgate called a “slight knock” upon touching down in Russia on Tuesday, with midfielder Jordan Henderson using a similarly relaxed tone the following day.

“He’s not too bad, I don’t think,” the Liverpool captain said. “It’s a knock in training.

“I think we’ve still got five days before the first game so it’s just a little bit of a precaution for him to make sure he is OK.”

After training with the remaining 21 members of the squad on Wednesday, Henderson said he did not know how Rashford sustained the issue.

Eric Dier, facing a fight with Henderson to start against Tunisia, was among those involved in Zelenogorsk, but eyebrows were raised by the heavy strapping on his left thigh.

“I am fine, thank you,” the Tottenham defensive midfielder said. “It is just a superstition more than anything now.

“It’s just because I’ve had a problem with my leg and it’s cleared up now.

“But I was wearing the strapping before and I just haven’t stopped wearing it yet. I will eventually!”

Dozens of media representatives were on hand to greet them to the newly refurbished venue on the outskirts of St Petersburg.

Local school children, many of them draped in St George’s flags, were given England goodie bags and Southgate’s squad obliged by stopping to sign foam footballs and shirts or pose for selfies.

They had earlier been introduced one by one as they emerged on to the pitch to the strains of This Is The One – a signature tune of Ian Brown’s famous Manchester collective – pumping out from speaker stacks.

An oration followed by Aleksey Kurinov, head of the Kurortny District, whose words were translated into English.

“We are very happy that the England team, which is the representative of the motherland of football, has chosen our city and district as its training site,” he said.

“We hope our hospitable land will bring success and luck to you. We will back you up and support you and we wish outstanding success for you. Welcome!”

Southgate and captain Harry Kane then received gifts of korovai bread – a symbol of celebration often used in wedding ceremonies – and sweet tea by a group of women in traditional dress.

The tea came in an ornate golden urn, whose resemblance to a large sporting trophy did not pass unnoticed.

A young child, Artur Shvarcz, was then invited to meet Southgate and received a signed ball.

A lengthy workout ensued, starting with stretches, running through a variety of drills and culminating in a reduced size match.

It is the last time the locals will get to see the visiting stars up close in such a capacity, with the remainder of their sessions behind closed doors barring 15-minute windows for accredited media.

There were hints of the security procedures which have been put in place for the Football Association, with high fences, security cameras and turnstiled entrances patrolled by staff.

There were even personnel manning the roofs of the administrative buildings, clutching binoculars and placed to spot prying eyes once the private work begins.

Around 400 locals watched England’s first training session, with the team having checked-in at the forRestMix Club on Tuesday evening, meaning players have yet to do anything other than rest and train.

“We just got there last night,” Dier said in interview with BBC Radio 5 Live and talkSPORT. “We were in the hotel and training this morning. I know over the next few days we can if we want to, so I am sure myself and others will get out and about.”

And Dier is looking forward to heading into St Petersburg over the coming weeks to explore a place he has heard so much about.

“I’d like to go and see St Petersburg,” the 24-year-old added. “Apparently, it is a beautiful city. “I think it’s one of the most European cities in Russia, so I am looking forward to seeing the city. My friend’s brother used to play here at St Petersburg and he said the city was very beautiful, so it will be nice to go and see it.”