England v USA: Big day looming for ex-Sheffield United stars as Kyle Walker makes fitness claim and Harry Maguire reaches milestone
England’s second World Cup group game against the United States tomorrow could be an especially big day for two former Sheffield United stars.
Gareth Southgate’s side are looking to build on their opening-day 6-2 thrashing of Iran against the Americans, with captain Harry Kane recovering from a knock suffered in that game to start against Gregg Berhalter’s side.
But former Blade Walker, who was picked for the tournament despite not being fit enough to feature in their opening game, has declared himself ready after joining in with his teammates for training earlier this week.
"I'm fit," the Manchester City right-back, who underwent groin surgery in October, said. "I've been training now for two weeks and I feel sharp. "Can you replicate what you do on a match day? Of course I can't.
"Me and the physio, me and the fitness coach cannot have an 11 v 11 against each other. We can do as much as we can do before I have to go into training and kick a ball with the lads, so I feel good."
The game will also be a big one for another ex-Blade in Harry Maguire, with the Manchester United defender set to win his 50th cap for his country. Maguire has had his critics of late but almost scored against Iran, with a good header that crashed off the bar, and repaid Southgate’s pre-tournament faith in him with a good performance as England got their World Cup campaign off to a dominant start while so many of their fellow favourites have faltered.