World Cup briefing: Egypt star Mohamed Salah ‘almost 100%’ fit for Uruguay clash

Rashford misses England training again and
Zlatan tips Germany to win the trophy

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Egypt take on Uruguay tomorrow (1pm) and Cuper says Salah will
not be afraid to line-up at the Ekaterinburg Arena.

Quoted by the BBC, Cuper said: “I can almost assure you 100% he will
play, save unforeseen circumstances at the very last minute. He
could become the top goalscorer here and one of the greatest
players.” 

Liverpool striker Salah injured his shoulder playing in
the Champions League against Real Madrid but has recovered “very,
very quickly”. Cuper added: “We’re trying to make him feel
confident. The doctors are giving him the option to play or not,
but I know Salah very well and I’m sure he’s not afraid, he’s not
fearful.”

World Cup fixtures: Friday, 15 June

• Group A: Egypt vs. Uruguay (1pm, BBC One) 
• Group B: Morocco vs. Iran (4pm, ITV)  
• Group B: Portugal vs. Spain (7pm, BBC One)

Rashford misses training again

Marcus Rashford was forced to sit out England training for
a second day but the striker is confident he will be fit to face
Tunisia on Monday if selected.

The Daily Telegraph reports that the Manchester
United star is a doubt for the group G clash against Tunisia and
only has two days to prove his fitness to England coach Gareth
Southgate. Sky Sports adds that the 20-year-old has a
“knock to the knee” but was able to do some work in the gym at the
team’s hotel.

Rashford tweeted he was not worried about the injury
concerns. He said: “Thanks for the messages I’ve been getting.
Picked up a slight niggle but nothing to worry about.”

Zlatan tips Germany

Holders Germany are the team to beat at the World Cup says
former Sweden striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

The LA Galaxy star believes the 2014 champions are a “machine”
and can defend their title in Russia. Quoted by ESPN, Ibrahimovic said: “Germany is the
Deutsche machine. You know they will do good, and they always do
good.

“And I always say, a good team doesn’t have 11 players,
they have 22 fantastic players. And with Germany, it’s not like you
have a star. I think the team is the star, and that’s why they’re
so strong.”