There were also concerns from England over the fitness of Harry Maguire after he was forced to play against Iran through illness.
But the Manchester United defender has been fully involved in England training before this one and is now set to make half a century of England appearances.
“I was disappointed to go out (against Iran),” he said. “I felt bad in the second half and we have done all the appropriate actions and I have trained for two days and I feel good. I am ready for tomorrow.
“My 50th cap will be a very proud moment for me. I’ve had some incredible memories. Every time I put on the shirt, it’s a very proud moment. Scoring in the quarter-finals of the World Cup and Euros, getting to a semi-final, getting to a final, there have been a lot of memories.”
Gareth Southgate took the opportunity to praise Maguire after a difficult domestic season in which he was benched by Erik ten Hag.
“We wanted to build our team with the ability to play from behind,” Southgate said. “Harry and John Stones have provided this incredible platform to build on.
“We won’t appreciate that stability of possession until they’re there. And they can defend well. They know each other’s games and fight each other. Harry’s 50th game is well deserved. He’s played an important role in two Great performances in tournaments and we hope it will be a third”.
