Sturridge returns to training to boost England

Matt Stead

Daniel Sturridge made a timely return to training given Roy Hodgson finalises England’s Euro 2016 squad on Tuesday.

Fitness concerns led the Three Lions boss to name an enlarged 26-man provisional party two weeks ago, with the squad needing to be whittled down by three.

Question marks have been raised over Sturridge’s place after sustaining a calf strain during Liverpool’s Europa League final loss to Sevilla, ruling him out of Friday’s 2-1 friendly win against Australia in Sunderland.

The 26-year-old worked over the weekend and emerged with the group at Watford’s training ground on Monday morning.

Sturridge was among 24 players training on the eve of the squad announcement, with Ryan Bertrand receiving treatment on a knock and Fabian Delph already having dropped to the standby list due to a groin injury.

Gary Cahill trained having missed Friday’s match following another injection in his hip, while teenager Marcus Rashford was with the group just days after netting during his dream debut.

The 18-year-old has given what Hodgson called a “little headache” before the squad announcement, although remains one of those sweating on their place.

Danny Drinkwater and Andros Townsend are others looking precarious, while reports suggest the coaching staff have concerns about Ross Barkley’s match fitness.