Kyle Walker injury worry for Roy Hodgson ahead of World Cup squad selection #CarryGobySeanKellz #FutureGroupNG via @myentertain9jar

ROY HODGSON fears Kyle Walker will join Tottenham team-mate Andros Townsend in being ruled out of England's World Cup plans, but is increasingly hopeful Jack Wilshere will be available for selection for Brazil.

Kyle Walker could miss the World Cup through injury[GETTY]

Townsend emerged as a key performer towards the end of the qualifying campaign, scoring on debut in the win over Montenegro, but will undergo ankle surgery today to end his tournament dreams.

England are concerned Walker will also miss out due to a pelvic problem that forced him to miss the friendly with Denmark and has prevented him from playing since he was substituted in the 76th minute of a Europa League defeat to Benfica on March 13.

Hodgson has already lost Theo Walcott and Jay Rodriguez through injury and is facing an anxious fortnight before naming his squad for the summer.

"We are still monitoring the situation with Kyle," said the England coach. "We haven't been told for certain that he will be out for the next six to 10 weeks, but we are concerned that it has been a long time he has been out and during that time he has not been able to do any training as far as I know.

"I know he has had another injection. We are waiting to find out on the back of that.

"I am very disappointed for Andros. He had a fantastic debut, bursting onto the scene, and he did really well. To see him ruled out like this with a serious ankle injury is a cruel blow.

Jack Wilshere looks set to feature in Brazil this summer [GETTY]

Wilshere has been training with the team as far as I know for a while

Roy Hodgson

"My thoughts are very much with him and the only thing I can say is that he is young and there will be lots of other opportunities. But I am sure that won't make him feel better at the moment because his chance to get into the squad has been taken away from him."

If Walker is ruled out then Hodgson must decide whether to include the likes of uncapped duo Jon Flanagan of Liverpool or Southampton's Nathaniel Clyne.

Alternatively, he could decide to head to Brazil with seven defenders in the knowledge that Phil Jones, Chris Smalling and James Milner could play right-back along with Glen Johnson.

That would free up another midfield berth in Hodgson's squad, which will be named on May 12, and he is confident Wilshere will be competing for a place.

The Arsenal midfielder fractured his foot when playing for England against Denmark in March and has yet to return to action, but Hodgson said: "He has been training with the team as far as I know for a while.

"I have spoken to Arsene Wenger, they have been holding him back because they don't want to push him too early."

England also expect Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain to be fit despite being sidelined with a groin injury.

Townsend said: “Thanks to everyone that has sent me messages of support. A shame that a number of injuries ruined what was a great start to the season for me.

“I am obviously gutted but fully focused on my rehab and making sure I’m fit and ready for pre season with spurs in July.

“But I remain immensely proud of being involved in two qualifiers which helped England get to the World Cup.”


England are in talks with Scotland over a friendly to be played in Glasgow in November.

The game would reciprocate the visit of Gordon Strachan’s side to Wembley last August, a match which England won 3-2.

England host Slovenia in a Euro 2016 qualifier on Saturday, November 15 and are in talks about heading north of the border on Tuesday, November 18.

The game could be played at Celtic Park if Hampden Park is not ready following the Commonwealth Games.

A spokesman for the Football Association said last night: “We are discussing a fixture in November but nothing is confirmed at this time.”