Kyle Walker returns to England training ahead of World Cup opener

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Kyle Walker returns to England training ahead of World Cup opener

Kyle Walker has provided England with some good news ahead of the World Cup, returning to full training.

Walker has been a key player for Gareth Southgate's England at the two major tournaments he's overseen, but there were fears in October that the defender would miss the third.

The Manchester City player came off injured 41 minutes into last month's Manchester derby and underwent groin surgery soon afterwards.

The operation and recovery have been a success, going well enough for Southgate to include Walker in his World Cup squad.

The squad has since landed in Qatar, and the defender was able to fully take part in the first team training session there.

So too was Kalvin Phillips, who has also been struggling with fitness issues so far this season, playing just 53 minutes since joining Man City in the summer.

Given their lack of match practice, it's unlikely that either will be risked for the opening match against Iran, but could well be available for the presumably more difficult games with Wales and USA.

Walker in particular is likely to play a big part in England's World Cup campaign if he can get fit enough. With Reece James out injured, he'd be in with a good chance of starting either at right-back or right centre-back if Southgate uses a back three.

He played in both positions last summer in England's run to the Euro 2020 final, starting in all but one of his nation's seven matches.

James Maddison missed England's training session on Thursday as staff look to manage a knee injury.