ENGLAND have been handed a huge World Cup boost as Kyle Walker took part in a full training session.
The opening group game against Iran is under a week away as the Qatar tournament edges closer.
Walker was one of multiple players who came into the England squad with questions marks hanging over their fitness.
But new pics show the defender taking part in a squad training at the Al Wakrah SC Stadium – where temperatures reached 32C on Wednesday – ahead of the opening game.
The 32-year-old missed much of the first-half of the domestic season due to a groin issue.
But the encouraging training pics suggest the Manchester City ace could be ready to go from the opening match.
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He was seen jogging alongside his team-mates as the Three Lions trained in the Middle East climate.
Other snaps show Jack Grealish with a typically impish grin on his face as he was put through his paces.
James Maddison was also seen investigating the turf in one image following his long-awaited return to the England squad.
Gareth Southgate was pictured exploring his surroundings with hands on his knees.
Walker is not the only player in the squad who has been dealing with injury.
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Questions have also dominated the fitness of his City team-mate, Kalvin Phillips, who has also missed a big chunk of the season due to injury.
But he did get some minutes under his belt when he come off the bench as a second-half substitute for City’s Carabao Cup win over Chelsea.
With squads announced and the Premier League season paused, discussion has turned to what England’s starting line-up should look like for Iran.
Glenn Hoddle thinks Harry Maguire could be dropped, Gary Neville and Jamie Carragher have disagreed on their best XIs while bookies are offering interesting odds on Southgate’s picks.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
