"?Manchester United defender Chris Smalling gave England staff a scare ahead of the opening Euro 2016 game against Russia this weekend after being spotted with an ice pack strapped to his left knee following training on Tuesday.
BREAKING: Chris Smalling returns from England training with strapping around knee. #SSNHQ
Smalling is one of only three recognised central defenders named by Roy Hodgson in the final 23-man squad, although England staff are thought to be confident there is no serious problem.
As such, he is widely expected to train as normal on Wednesday and later tweeted a positive message about England's first day in France.
First training session ?? @England #EURO2016 pic.twitter.com/7ScZowUk1d
In the unlikely event the 26-year-old does not recover, however, Hodgson would still be able to replace him with a standby before the tournament kicks off should he feel the needs to. That would likely be Everton veteran Phil Jagielka and would have to be approved and signed off by a UEFA doctor.
Smalling is coming off the back of an excellent season at club level, enjoying far more consistent form than both Gary Cahill and John Stones. He even captained his country in the recent warm-up game against Australia.
Despite the promise that Smalling and Stones offer as a partnership for the long-term, England legend Alan Shearer, top scorer at Euro '96, believes there is a real weakness at the back.
"They wouldn't worry me if I was a forward, and I'm sure other teams have done their homework," he is quoted as saying by the Daily Mirror when asked about the English centre-backs.
"At international level you should always know the player you're playing against, inside out, and I'm sure everyone will do their homework on England's centre halves.
"Defending in general has been a weakness for England at recent tournaments, whether it's big long balls down the middle that players have failed to attack or head clear, or Gary Cahill losing Mario Balotelli at the far post at the last World Cup."