England v Italy: Danny Welbeck provides huge boost by shrugging off injury concerns to train with squad
The Manchester United forward looks set to be available to play in Manaus
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Your support makes all the difference.England will be dealt a huge boost ahead of their World Cup opener with Italy this afternoon, when Danny Welbeck shrugs off fitness doubts to trains with Roy Hodgson’s squad.
Welbeck dealt Hodgson a potential huge selection problem two days ago when he limped out of training, after pulling up with what looked like a hamstring strain in Rio de Janeiro.
Welbeck has been seen as a vital part of the England game plan against the Italians in the heat of Manaus, which has been under preparation for weeks.
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Hodgson wants to start with him because of his ability to close down Daniele de Rossi and to provide pace on the counter attack.
That plan seemed to be in doubt when Welbeck left the training ground with strapping on the inside of his thigh after treatment from England physio Gary Lewin.
But though sources said yesterday that Welbeck’s fitness was touch and go, it is becoming increasingly clear that he will be fit to face the Italians.
It had been thought that his role against the Italians was contingent on him training today and that will now happen.
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