Cape Town - England
could be without Danny Welbeck for their opening game of the World Cup
after picking up a suspected leg injury in training on Tuesday.
The Manchester United striker reportedly limped off the field this week to leave himself a doubt for the Three Lions' Group D opener against Italy on Saturday.
The Football Association would not comment on the claims during a press conference, although manager Roy Hodgson admitted he could start with Raheem Sterling, despite the Liverpool ace having only played 39 minutes during England's warm-up schedule.
"If I select him (Sterling), it won't be a risk that he hasn't played so many minutes," Hodgson said.
"He's as fit as a flea and I'm pretty certain he hasn't forgotten how to play matches, either.
"It was unfortunate that he couldn't play the (Honduras) game (because of suspension), but I can tell you that Raheem Sterling is very much in the group of players I'm considering."
The Manchester United striker reportedly limped off the field this week to leave himself a doubt for the Three Lions' Group D opener against Italy on Saturday.
The Football Association would not comment on the claims during a press conference, although manager Roy Hodgson admitted he could start with Raheem Sterling, despite the Liverpool ace having only played 39 minutes during England's warm-up schedule.
"If I select him (Sterling), it won't be a risk that he hasn't played so many minutes," Hodgson said.
"He's as fit as a flea and I'm pretty certain he hasn't forgotten how to play matches, either.
"It was unfortunate that he couldn't play the (Honduras) game (because of suspension), but I can tell you that Raheem Sterling is very much in the group of players I'm considering."