Vardy unlikely to face Sweden after missing training

Samara (Russia), July 6 (IANS) England striker Jamie Vardy was unable to take part in his side's training session on Friday morning and is therefore unlikely to be available for their FIFA World Cup quarter-final against Sweden in the Samara Arena on Saturday evening.

Vardy suffered a slight groin injury after entering England's last 16 tie against Colombia as a late second half substitute on Tuesday. He was unable to take the penalty he was expected to take in their dramatic shootout win over the South American side, ceding the decisive final kick to midfielder Eric Dier, reports Xinhua news agency.

The Leicester City forward has been unable to train since Tuesday although the fact he was able to participate in the warm-up session with the rest of the squad on Friday suggests he could be available for the semi-finals if England progress.

Vardy's absence is unlikely to affect the England starting 11 on Saturday, with Harry Kane, who has scored six goals in this World Cup, expected to lead the attack. But it could give a chance to Danny Welbeck, who has so far only played 11 minutes as a substitute in England's 0-1 defeat to Belgium in their final Group G match.

England's other minor injury doubts (Dele Ali and Ashley Young) were able to take part in Friday's training and are both expected to start in Samara.