England vs Russia: Danny Rose to start opener with Ryan Bertrand still sidelined

Chris Smalling departs training with bandaging on left knee but is expected to train on Wednesday

Danny Rose with Jamie Vardy (Getty)

Danny Rose is set to start England’s Euro 2016 opener against Russia on Saturday with left-back rival Ryan Bertrand still unable to train with Roy Hodgson’s squad.

Southampton defender Bertrand, who played in the 2-1 victory against Australia at the Stadium of Light on May 27, missed training last week after suffering a groin strain during the friendly in Sunderland.

And although Hodgson named his 23-man squad for the tournament on May 31 on the understanding that all selected players would be fit to start the Group B curtain-raiser in Marseille this weekend, Bertrand is now running out of time to prove his fitness.

Hodgson was handed another scare on Tuesday when Chris Smalling departed training with his left knee bandaged and iced, although the injury is not thought to be serious.

The Manchester United centre-back is expected to return to training on Wednesday, three days before England's opening match of the tournament.

England have only two other centre-backs in their squad - Gary Cahill and John Stones. Tottenham's Eric Dier could drop back if required.

Former Chelsea full-back Bertrand is expected to train at England’s Chantilly base later this week.

Ryan Bertrand in France (Getty)

But while the player is keen to return to training as quickly as possible, Hodgson’s medical team are being cautious with his training schedule due to Tottenham defender Rose being the only other specialist left-back in the squad.

Bertrand’s failure to train has opened the door for Rose to face the Russians, however, with the defender impressing against Turkey and Portugal prior to the departure for France.

With Manchester United left-back Luke Shaw unable to overcome a broken leg in time to take his place in the squad, Hodgson selected Rose and Bertrand ahead of the more experienced Leighton Baines.