‘That’s worrying’ - Injury update on Newcastle United star ahead of World Cup clash

Newcastle United striker Callum Wilson sat out England’s latest training session as the Three Lions recovered from their World Cup win against Senegal.

Goals from Bakayo Saka, Jordan Henderson and Harry Kane helped Gareth Southgate’s side keep alive their hopes of winning the competition for only the second time in their history and their focus is now on Saturday night’s quarter-final clash with France.

Wilson and Magpies team-mates Nick Pope and Kieran Trippier were named among the substitutes for the meeting with Senegal and all three remained there as their side progressed into the last eight with a professional display to preserve their unbeaten record against African sides. However, Sky Sports have now reported Wilson has suffered ‘a minor strain’ that prevented him from taking part in a training session and Monday lunchtime and suggested the injury is something Southgate and the England medical staff ‘need to monitor’.

Sky Sports reporter Rob Dorsett explained: “There are 12 players out there today, 10 of them are outfield players. We wouldn’t expect to see any of the players that played more than 45 minutes of there last night. They have a rehabilitation session the day after the game so they’ll be in the gym, the swimming pool, getting massages and assessed medically to ensure they have no knocks or any problems.

“To that end, Callum Wilson has a minor strain, which is why he isn’t out here with the rest of the squad. A minor strain can mean many things and that’s worrying for the Newcastle United striker that he’s not out here now. He’s got a lot of days to recover, England don’t play against France until Saturday, but that will be a worry for Gareth Southgate and something that he needs to monitor.”

Pope and Trippier did take part in the session, with the latter said to be under consideration for a recall if Southgate opts to move to a three-man defence in a bid to combat the considerable threat of France star Kylian Mbappe.