Rashford is recovering from a knee injury sustained at the start of the week

Marcus Rashford’s hopes of forcing his way into England’s starting line-up for the World Cup have receded further after he missed training for a second successive day.

The Manchester United striker remained at England’s ForRest Mix hotel in Repino to do gym work with the physio, Steve Kemp, as he recovers from a knee injury sustained at the start of the week.

Rashford has yet to train with the main group here in Russia and with England’s opening group G game looming against Tunisia on Monday, it is hard to see how Gareth Southgate will seriously consider him for his line-up.

Dier has played down concerns over his fitness but Rashford was unable to take part as England trained with Nerf toys ALASTAIR GRANT/AP

The 20-year-old had underlined his claims with a stunning goal, and an effervescent all-round display, in last week’s final warm-up win over Costa Rica