England attacker Danny Welbeck is an early doubt for the Three Lions' World Cup opener against Italy on Saturday. The 23-year-old picked up a thigh injury in a training session on Tuesday, and missed training altogether a day later. He reportedly left England's the training ground with blue tape on the inside of his thigh.
Danny Welbeck a doubt for England’s World Cup opener
A thigh injury could rule Danny Welbeck out of England’s World Cup opener against Italy.
Richard Heathcote
Such an absence would be a blow for England boss Roy Hodgson, who regards the Manchester United winger very highly. Despite being often criticised for lacking an end product, Welbeck's scoring record for England is good, and his tireless workrate makes him a great asset both defensively and on the counter-attack.
However, fortunately Hodgson has Raheem Sterling ready and waiting to come into the starting lineup for what would be his competitive international debut. The Liverpool teenager only made substitute appearances in England's preparation friendlies against Peru and Ecuador -- and was sent off for a vicious tackle in the latter -- but would be a natural replacement for Welbeck out wide.
See More:
