Daniel Sturridge and Jack Wilshere miss England training ahead of crucial World Cup qualifiers

Roy Hodgson is preparing his squad for games against Moldova and Ukraine

Jack Wilshere leaves the field during the derby against Tottenham (GETTY IMAGES)

Daniel Sturridge and Jack Wilshere both missed England training this morning as the squad gathered to prepare for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Moldova and Ukraine.

Sturridge was carrying a thigh injury during Liverpool's victory over Manchester United and has been given extra time to get back to full fitness.

Wilshere went off in the first half of Arsenal's win against Tottenham at the weekend with stomach cramps and he has also been afforded more time to try to recover.

Both players will remain with the squad at St George's Park, though, and the hope is that they will be fit for Friday's qualifier against Moldova and the crucial game in Ukraine four days later.

England manager Roy Hodgson is desperate for the in-form Sturridge to be fit for the double-header as he is without leading striker Wayne Rooney, who withdrew at the weekend with a head injury.

Cardiff defender Steven Caulker and Tottenham striker Jermain Defoe did not train with the England squad in Burton, but they will do light fitness work later in the day.

All the other members of Hodgson's 25-man squad trained at the national football centre today, including Ross Barkley and Andros Townsend, who have been called up for the first time.

Hodgson's preparations for the games suffered a blow last weekend when Rooney, Phil Jones and Glen Johnson pulled out through injury.

PA