Roy Hodgson has assured England fans Steven Gerrard will be fit and ready for the Three Lions’ World Cup opener against Italy in Manaus.
Gerrard was reported to have sat out of England’s first training session in Brazil yesterday due to a slight groin strain.
But Hodgson said it was a misunderstanding and the Liverpool and England captain would be fit for the game against Italy.
“I don’t really understand this Steven Gerrard rumour because there is nothing wrong with him,” Hodgson said.
“Yesterday we had a training session where the players who played [against Honduras] did a warm-down session and I worked with the nine that didn’t take full part.
“My understanding is that he actually did some extra work after his training session so there is absolutely nothing wrong with him.”
Hodgson has also revealed that Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is making good progress after he limped off with injury against Ecuador.
Oxlade-Chamberlain put in an impressive performance in the game before suffering a knee injury and will be given until 24 hours before England World Cup opener to prove his fitness.
“It is very positive that he can run so well and so fast in so fast in straight lines and we will be stepping up his training programme during the course of the week,” he added.
“There is no guarantee but I am hoping by the second game [Uruguay on 19 June] he will be available.”
