England were able to train with a full squad ahead of their opening Euro 2024 match against Serbia this weekend with John Stones providing a welcome boost for manager Gareth Southgate

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John Stones returned to England training on Thursday after a fitness scare saw him quarantined to his room.

The Three Lions star was forced into isolation as he suffered from illness, in a bid to prevent his ailments spreading to his teammates. Stones' condition led to plenty of concern over his availability for England's opening Euro 2024 match against Serbia this weekend.

Gareth Southgate was able to train with his full cohort of 26 players however. Luke Shaw trained for the third day in succession as he looks to build his fitness after kicking a ball for the first time in five months during a session on Tuesday

The 30-year-old made just 12 Premier League appearances for City last term but will be viewed as an experienced head for the Euros. Stones has started every tournament match under Southgate.

With the former Everton ace back on the training pitch, it will diminish many fears over his availability. In addition to his illness, Stones had been forced off at half-time of the Three Lions' friendly defeat to Iceland due to an ankle issue.

John Stones returned to training with his teammates ( Image:

Richard Pelham) Southgate said that had been a precautionary move. "He took a bit of a knock to the ankle really early in the game, but at half-time there was no point taking any chance," the England boss said.

"We're too close to the start of the tournament, there's no point risking it."

As long as he is able, Stones will be a certain starter for England, with Marc Guehi understood to be leading the race to partner him. Lewis Dunk is the man likely to step in if Stones doesn't make the game with Serbia, with Aston Villa's Ezri Konsa also under consideration.

Asked if he was ready to step in for Stones, Dunk said: "I would hope so. Of course. But you never know. There are a few days until Sunday and we'll see what happens.

"We've only trained twice this week. Today [Wednesday] was a defensive session. I guess [Thursday] might be more attacking and it will balance it out on both sides as we go through the week."

Luke Shaw continued his recovery as Marc Guehi and Jude Bellingham also trained ( Image:

Eddie Keogh - The FA) Harry Kane joined up with the England squad after dealing with a back injury but continues to prove his fitness ( Image:

Jude Bellingham is also set to return to the starting XI, having missed the two warm-up games due to his involvement in Real Madrid's successful Champions League campaign. The biggest question mark surrounding Southgate's opening line up comes in the centre of his midfield and who will partner Declan Rice.

Mirror Football understands Trent Alexander-Arnold is in pole position to get the nod there, with Conor Gallagher and Crystal Palace's breakout star Adam Wharton also options.

After Sunday's clash with Serbia in Gelsenkirchen, the Three Lions face Denmark in Frankfurt on June 20, before concluding their group stage against Slovenia in Cologne on June 25.