ENGLAND is sweating on the fitness of Declan Rice and Kieran Trippier.
The two stars were absent from training with the rest of the squad ahead of the round of 16 clash against Slovakia.
Phil Foden was also missing from training, but that was due to him flying home for the birth of his third child.
Rice and Trippier also missed training and have been doing their own individual programmes.
The Arsenal midfielder has been a regular for England since breaking into the team during his West Ham days.
Gareth Southgate has struggled to find a partner for Rice in midfield and could not have another problem if he is not fit.
The boss could now look to Adam Wharton or Kobbie Mainoo to step up and start in the midfield.
In the draw against Slovenia, Southgate started with Rice and Conor Gallagher so one of the youngsters could line up next to the Chelsea man.
Trippier's potential injury from the clash against Slovakia could be softened by Luke Shaw.
The Manchester United defender confirmed he is ready to play after missing the entire of the group stages.
Trippier had been filling in at left-back during Shaw's absence but came under fire for his performances at Euro 2024.
Shaw is the only recognised left-back in the Three Lions squad as Southgate refused to call up another as back-up.
England take on Slovakia in the last-16 clash on Sunday at the Veltins Arena in Gelsenkirchen.
The team have been fortunate enough to be on the side of the draw that avoids the likes France, Belgium, Germany, Portugal and Spain until the final.
Should England get past Slovakia then they would face either Italy or Switzerland in the quarter-finals.
