ENGLAND have been handed a DOUBLE World Cup boost with Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola “optimistic” on Kalvin Phillips and Kyle Walker’s fitness.
Both City aces underwent surgery and featuring in Qatar for the Three Lions was in doubt.
Big money summer signing Phillips had surgery on his shoulder, which has halted his progress at the Etihad.
While Walker went under the knife for a groin injury.
But in a boss to England boss Gareth Southgate, City chief Guardiola is “optimistic” both players will be fit.
He said on Phillips at his pre-match press conference ahead of Saturday’s win against Leicester: “He feels really well, his mobility in his shoulder is perfect.
“He has to avoid contact with his teammates at the moment.
“If he is fit and I believe he can play then maybe he can make some minutes [before the World Cup].”
On the pair, Guardiola continued: “They are positive, optimistic, they are in touch with Gareth [Southgate].
“I don’t know, hopefully they can be ready to be selected.”
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Walker being back for the winter tournament would ease Southgate’s injury concerns at right-back.
Chelsea’s Reece James is still on crutches and is expected not to be fit in time.
However, James told SunSport he hasn’t given up on his dream of playing in this year’s World Cup.
He plans on starting to run in the next few days in the swimming pool.
