England manager Roy Hodgson assures Danny Welbeck is fit to face Italy tonight, but it’s “one of my toughest team selections.”

Their World Cup campaigns kick off this evening in Manaus at 23.00 UK time (22.00 GMT).

England manager Roy Hodgson assures Danny Welbeck is fit to face Italy tonight, but it’s “one of my toughest team selections.”

Their World Cup campaigns kick off this evening in Manaus at 23.00 UK time (22.00 GMT).

Manchester United man Welbeck had been a major doubt after skipping training due to a thigh injury on Tuesday and Wednesday, but Hodgson was confident in a Press conference.

“Yes, Danny's fit. I'm very fortunate that even after four weeks of preparation, the only player who isn't available for selection is Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.

Question marks remain over the starting XI, as players like Daniel Sturridge, Ross Barkley and Raheem Sterling are pushing for a place.

“I'm not afraid of giving youth a chance. We've only to think back to 1958 and Pele bursting on to the scene as a 17-year-old. He went on to dominate football and become one of the most, if not the most, famous footballers of all time.

“You've seen plenty of examples in the World Cup; Diego Maradona was very young when he first started playing for Argentina. Johan Cruyff was another one when he was dominating European football for Holland.

“I think it has been one of my toughest team selections. There's a lot of people really showing that they've got the form and the quality we're looking for.

“When I actually name the XI there will be some disappointed people.”

Probable line-ups

England: Hart; Johnson, Cahill, Jagielka, Baines; Henderson, Gerrard; Lallana, Rooney, Welbeck; Sturridge

Italy: Buffon; Darmian, Barzagli, Paletta, Chiellini; De Rossi; Candreva, Pirlo, Verratti, Marchisio; Balotelli

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