Friday 30 May 2014 07:57, UK
Luke Shaw is a doubt for England's friendly against Peru, according to manager Roy Hodgson.
The Southampton left-back has been suffering from a cold this week, but England do not have any other injury concerns ahead of the game at Wembley on Friday.
Addressing a press conference alongside his captain Steven Gerrard on Thursday, Hodgson said: “We have no injury concerns but Luke Shaw has had a slight cold.
"He travelled down on Saturday but he didn’t train today and we’re being very cautious. We can’t say whether he will recover or not but it’s a very minor issue and will quickly go over. We won’t know until tomorrow morning whether he can take part against Peru.”
A significant crowd is expected to give England a passionate send-off in their final home game before the Brazil tournament, and they will have a keen eye on Hodgson’s team selection along with the rest of the country.
Hodgson admits he has a real selection dilemma, one that he welcomes, after the impressive show of energy and enthusiasm he has seen from each of his provisional squad at their recent training camps in Portugal and St George’s Park.
Over the last 10 days in training, the performances of these players have been so good. They are keen to stake their claim and I have to admit it won’t be an easy choice, but that’s how I expect and want it to be.
“Over the last 10 days in training, the performances of these players have been so good. They are keen to stake their claim and I have to admit it won’t be an easy choice, but that’s how I expect and want it to be," he said.
“There are a lot of senior players who will undoubtedly feature but there are lots of places around them that are up for grabs and at the moment everyone is doing their best to grab them.
“I would defy anyone to second guess my first XI. The team don’t know themselves and won’t until tomorrow.”
England fly out to Miami next week ahead of further friendlies against Ecuador and Honduras, but Hodgson insisted every part of their preparation is geared towards their Group D opener against Italy on June 14.
“This Peru game seems to have come out of nowhere. Our work has been much more focused on June 14 but it’s a game we are looking forward to and are taking very seriously," Hodgson said.
“We are pleased to hear there is going to be another big crowd and we are very keen to leave England having left behind a good impression for our own fans.“
