Welbeck fit to face Italy - Hodgson

Manaus: England manager Roy Hodgson revealed on Friday that Danny Welbeck will be fit to face Italy in their opening World Cup Group D game against Italy in Manaus on Saturday.

"Danny`s fit," Hodgson told a pre-match press conference at the Amazonia Arena. "I`m very fortunate that even after four weeks of preparation, the only player who isn`t available for selection is Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain. "That we knew, so there can be no complaints on that score." British newspapers reported on Tuesday that Manchester United forward Welbeck had been forced out of a closed training session with a thigh injury and he did not train with the squad on Wednesday. Arsenal midfielder Oxlade-Chamberlain is working his way back to fitness after damaging knee ligaments in a friendly against Ecuador.