Final training session before opening Wembley qualifier

Thursday 06 Oct 2016
Gareth Southgate

The England squad trained at St. George's Park on Friday morning in their final session before facing Malta in 2018 World Cup qualifying.

Interim manager Gareth Southgate had 21 players at his disposal, with Gary Cahill and Phil Jagielka missing. Cahill was suffering from a sore throat but remains in contention for Saturday's game. Jagielka, however, has withdrawn through injury.

England v Malta

2018 FIFA World Cup Russia
European Qualifying (Group F)
5pm, Saturday 8 October
Wembley Stadium connected by EE
Live on ITV

 

 

With Jagielka unable to train in recent days, the squad was bolstered by Under-20s defenders Dael Fry and Callum Connolly.

The squad will head for London later today, with Southgate and a player due to face the media this evening live on Twitter and Facebook.

There are still a limited number of tickets available for the Three Lions' first 2018 World Cup qualifier on home turf – book at TheFA.com/Tickets.

 

Fry, on loan at Rotherham from Middlesbrough, battles with Theo Walcott

 

By Jim Lucas at St. George's Park