Declan Rice has given England a major fitness boost ahead of the World Cup quarter final.
England midfielder Rice trained fully after missing a session on Wednesday through illness and is set to start against France as Gareth Southgate will be able to name an unchanged line-up.
Raheem Sterling will fly in to rejoin the squad on Friday but Southgate is unlikely to consider him to start as he has missed training this week. Sterling, who flew home after his family home was burgled, may be on the bench but desperately wants to be involved even if he is unlikely to come on.
England boss Southgate has reaped the benefits of playing with an attacking formation, is set to stick with a back four and is determined to continue with the same style against France.
Southgate wants to be on the front foot despite France’s attacking threat and will tell his players they have nothing to fear even though they are facing the world champions.
England defender Kieran Trippier confirmed Rice trained fully and said on Thursday: “Dec was involved today. He didn't train yesterday but he was in high spirits as he always is and he trained well today.”
Meanwhile, England’s preparation for the World Cup showdown took a glamorous twist earlier this week, with Robbie Williams giving the squad a surprise concert.
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Pop megastar Williams is playing a gig in Doha this week but also visited England’s training base to play for the players. Former Take That star Williams played “a couple of songs” and had a chat with the players to lift the mood ahead of the showdown with France.
England defender Kieran Trippier said: “It’s the first time I’ve ever met him. I’ve got say he’s a great guy. Really down to earth. Really humble guy. It was good. In these little moments, everyone’s buzzing around the place and to hear him sing. It was a great moment for everyone going into a big game. It was really nice to meet him. He was brilliant.”
But, incredibly, Williams did not play his mega hit Let Me Entertain You - and is leaving that to the players instead.
