England sweating over duo injured in World Cup 2018 battle past Colombia with Sweden quarter-final three days away
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Ashley Young is an injury worry for England’s World Cup quarter-final.
Boss Gareth Southgate also has concerns for reserve striker Jamie Vardy, who needed an injection on a groin problem suffered in extra time against Colombia on Tuesday night which meant he could not take a penalty in the ensuing shoot-out.
Wing-back Young’s ankle injury — also picked up in the last-16 thriller — will be assessed over the next 24 hours to see if he can be fit.
Of the other likely starters for the Sweden showdown on Saturday, Kyle Walker, Dele Alli and Harry Kane all needed treatment after the squad returned to their Repino HQ following a late-night flight back from Moscow but are expected to be available.
(Image: Getty)
(Image: Reuters)
Southgate is likely to be boosted by the return of Fabian Delph, who had flown home after the Belgium game last Thursday to be with wife Natalie for the birth of their third child.
Ruben Loftus-Cheek could also be an option if Alli drops out, amid concerns about his fitness levels following a thigh injury that has dogged his tournament.
After arriving back at their Repino base at 6.30am, the squad had breakfast at midday, a team meeting in the gym at 1pm and a warm-down session. Those who did not play against Colombia had a full training programme.
Southgate admits the quick turnaround will be a worry ahead of facing Sweden on the back of extra time and penalties, plus a late night.
“We are probably a little bit behind on our prep but we will judge that," he said.
"Somehow we have got to get the sleep patterns back and recover as best we can but of course we have huge motivation to do that.”