England manager Gareth Southgate is reportedly hopeful of having a number of his fitness doubts back up to speed prior to Saturday’s World Cup quarter-final against Sweden. Southgate joked after the Three Lions’ penalty-shootout win over Colombia earlier this week that his dressing was “like a scene from M.A.S.H” due to the number of stricken players.
Dele Alli, Ashley Young, Jesse Lingard, Kyle Walker, Harry Kane and Jamie Vardy are all understood to be carrying knocks, with the latter requiring an injection to see him through until the end of the Colombia match. reports that Alli and Young will take part in training on Thursday, however, having responded well to work from England’s medical team and physios. Walker, Lingard and Kane are also said to be on course to make a full recovery, leaving Vardy as the only serious doubt to face Sweden.Following their win over Colombia, eight of England’s last 15 World Cup knockout matches have now gone to extra time.