RIO DE JANEIRO, Brazil (AFP) – England captain Steven Gerrard managed only light training yesterday ahead of the World Cup as he struggled with what was termed as a minor groin strain.

Gerrard, 34, did only a few runs down the touchline as the main squad was put through a punishing schedule at the Urca military base in Rio de Janeiro.

The Liverpool midfielder went inside before the end of the session. England staff said it was a minor ailment and they had no doubt Gerrard would be ready for England’s first Group D match against Italy on Saturday.

Gerrard missed half of England’s 0-0 draw with Honduras on Saturday as a precaution.

England staff are gradually building up rehabilitation for Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain as he recovers from a knee ligament injury suffered against Ecuador last week.

The 20-year-old Arsenal star took part in intense sprint workouts with a brace on his knee.

Oxlade-Chamberlain is unlikely to take any part in the early Group D games against Italy, Uruguay and Costa Rica.