Jordan Henderson was substituted with a tight hamstring in Saturday’s quarter-final win over Sweden but is expected to declare himself available while Jamie Vardy is aiming to step up his recovery from a groin problem.
Dele Alli allayed fears he is yet to return to top form following a groin injury by scoring England’s second goal last weekend and is line to retain his place, with manager Gareth Southgate again planning to select the same team if possible.
England have just two full training sessions in Repino before travelling to Moscow on Tuesday afternoon and Southgate insisted their preparations will remain the same despite standing on the brink of the country’s biggest match for 28 years.
“Does anything change? No, I don’t think so,” he said. “What is amazing for us as a coaching team is that you get to these huge matches, think you’ll have lots of time to work on things, but actually the time is minimal.
“Recovery will be everything, we’ll have to do tactical work on video and in meetings rather than on the grass.”
England fans celebrate World Cup quarter-final victory
Southgate feels especially vindicated by the decision to rest eight players against Belgium, precipitating a 1-0 defeat which many described as an unnecessary gamble. However, England looked fresher in Samara, with Sweden not afforded a chance to rotate during the group stage after losing their second match to Germany.
“The physical aspect [of recovery] will be key and maybe we had an advantage in that Sweden had one more game than us which they had to roll out with their team and so we’ve got to get that physical part right as well,” he said.
“I think the recovery comes first then enjoy the day, the players have got their families, we are going to keep that little tradition we’ve had of them coming in and having dinner with us. I think all of those things have played their part really.”
Probable XI
England (3-3-2-2): Pickford; Walker, Stones, Maguire; Trippier, Henderson, Young; Lingard, Alli; Kane, Sterling
