Wednesday 12 November 2014 09:25, UK
West Brom striker Saido Berahino was among 10 players missing from England training ahead of Saturday’s European Qualifier with Slovenia and next Tuesday’s friendly with Scotland.
Berahino played the whole of his side’s 2-0 home defeat to Newcastle and was given the opportunity to rest, along with Danny Welbeck, Calum Chambers, Kieron Gibbs and Ross Barkley, who were also involved in matches on Sunday.
Five more players - Gary Cahill, Leighton Baines, Phil Jagielka, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Andros Townsend - missed the session at St George’s Park after picking up knocks at the weekend and will be assessed by the medical team.
England skipper Wayne Rooney was involved though and could earn his 100th international cap at the weekend, having made his debut in the friendly defeat to Australia in February 2003.
If he does feature against either Slovenia or Scotland, Rooney would join recent inductees Steven Gerrard, Ashley Cole and Frank Lampard in the 100-club.
A number of players also returned to the fold including Theo Walcott, who was involved in an England training session for the first time in a year after recovering from a long-term knee injury.
Stewart Downing is back in the international fold after playing a key role in West Ham’s impressive start to the season, having last represented his country in May 2012, while experienced Manchester United midfielder Michael Carrick also took part in training following his recall to the squad.
Jamaal Lascelles and Jack Robinson from Gareth Southgate's U21s side also took part into training to make up the numbers.
Roy Hodgson’s side currently top Group E after winning their first three games of the campaign, while Slovenia are in second place with three points.
Following Saturday's qualifier at Wembley, England will travel to Glasgow to face Gordon Strachan's Scotland at Celtic Park.
The last time the nations met was at Wembley in August 2013 when England won 3-2, with Rickie Lambert scoring the winner on his debut.
Meanwhile, players, staff and servicemen gathered after training to mark Armistice Day.
Wayne Rooney and Jack Butland laid wreaths in the centre circle and they were followed by Roy Hodgson and Gareth Southgate, who led out servicemen and women to observe the two minutes silence.
