Declan Rice has returned to England training ahead of their World Cup quarter-final against France.
West Ham captain Rice, along with Newcastle’s Callum Wilson, sat out England’s training session on Wednesday – amid concerns that a huge tie against the reigning world champions is just days away.
But while striker Wilson was ruled out with a minor muscle strain, the midfielder sat out as a result of illness and is now thought to be good to go again.
Speaking on Rice in the pre-match press conference, Colin Phillips explained: “I’m sure December is fit, he’s back in training and he’s fine.
He added: “If something goes wrong I will be there and I will try my best to be fit for 90 minutes. I want to play as many minutes as possible.”
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Phillips has had to play second fiddle to Rice in Qatar so far, coming into the tournament only after recovering from a long injury. As a result, Rice has started every game for Gareth Southgate so far and has played a key role at the base of midfield.
It is likely that the two could play together with the Three Lions suggesting a more defensive setup against France, although with Jude Bellingham’s impressive form so far at the World Cup, Phillips’ lack of finesse in the match. Together, it means a beginning. A berth is unlikely for the Manchester City man.
Meanwhile, Raheem Sterling is heading back to Qatar to join the England camp. The Chelsea forward returned to the UK after his home in Surrey was broken into.