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Parker trains as Walcott overcomes brief scare

ESPN staff
June 1, 2012
Roy Hodgson passed on his ideas on Friday © Getty Images
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England midfielder Scott Parker trained with the rest of Roy Hodgson's 23-man squad at Wembley on Friday to allay mounting fears over a persistent Achilles problem.

With Frank Lampard and Gareth Barry already ruled out of Euro 2012 much rests on the shoulders of Tottenham's Parker and his partnership with Steven Gerrard in the centre of England's midfield.

There had been doubts about Parker's ability to participate in Saturday's match against Belgium and further worries over a lack of form - as he missed Tottenham's final four games of the season.

But Parker took part in training ahead of England's final friendly, along with fellow returning duo Glen Johnson (toe) and Danny Welbeck (ankle) - despite Hodgson previously expressing doubts as to whether they would be fit for his first game in charge at Wembley.

There was a minor scare, when Arsenal's Theo Walcott stopped during the session to have some strapping applied to both feet. He was eventually able to continue though and will come into contention for the Belgium game.

Hodgson might be concerned about the prospect of picking up further injuries, but with the Chelsea trio of Ashley Cole, John Terry and Gary Cahill, plus Wayne Rooney, all due a game, the England manager cannot afford to take the Belgium match lightly as his side prepare for their Group D opener with France in Donetsk on June 11.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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