Tuesday 13 August 2013 10:24, UK
England boss Roy Hodgson has played down concerns over Theo Walcott's fitness after he picked up a knock in training.
Hodgson was also asked about the international fixture slot coming so soon before the start of the Premier League season - but insisted it was vital for his preparations ahead of the World Cup qualifying double header next month. "The date is the date that we've been given and the match is the match that I'm really keen to play," Hodgson added. "If it falls kindly or unkindly for the Premier League that will have to be as it is, I need this game and the England players need this game. "I'm hoping that if we're sensible with the players they'll all return to their clubs and they'll all be perfectly fit and ready to play on Saturday or Sunday, whatever the case might be." England captain Steven Gerrard's news conference will be live on Sky Sports News HD at 5.30pm
