Jack Wilshere, Daniel Sturridge, Steven Caulker and Jermain Defoe were all absent as the Three Lions gear up for the World Cup qualifying double header

Four members of England’s squad missed full training on Tuesday as the Three Lions prepare for their upcoming World Cup qualifier against Moldova.

Roy Hodgson’s men head into the game at Wembley on Friday knowing they need to take maximum points if they are to overhaul Montenegro – who travel to Warsaw to face Poland – at the top of Group H.

The involvement of Jack Wilshere, Daniel Sturridge, Steven Caulker and Jermain Defore remains in doubt after they participated in a recovery session away from the rest of the squad.

Wilshere was brought off during Arsenal’s 1-0 win over Tottenham on Sunday with stomach cramps, but it is Sturridge whose potential involvement is in the most doubt due to a thigh injury.

Theo Walcott is hopeful the Liverpool forward, who has scored each of his club’s three league goals so far this term, will be able to feature against both Moldova and Ukraine – who England face in Kiev on Tuesday.

“Sturridge is here, that is a positive,” Walcott said. “Fingers crossed he’ll be ok for Friday and Tuesday.”

Arsenal attacker Walcott believes England have a good mix of players in their ranks, but insists they will not take Moldova lightly, despite their poor results in qualifying thus far.

“We have a good balance between the old and young players in the squad and we’re starting to show that at Wembley,” Walcott added.

“We’re professional and know the task ahead. We have to treat Moldova with respect.”