Wayne Rooney and Ashley Cole return to England training as race to face Algeria hots up

England had a double dose of good news this morning as Wayne Rooney and Ashley
Cole returned to training.

The pair missed yesterday's session, Cole to do rehabilitation work on old injuries and Rooney with an ankle knock he picked up in the opening World Cup draw against the United States.

Back in business: Wayne Rooney and Ashley Cole returned to full training in Royal Bafokeng

Back in business: Wayne Rooney and Ashley Cole returned to full training in Royal Bafokeng

Happily, the duo were fit enough to return this morning as England continued their preparations for Friday's Group C outing against Algeria in Cape Town.

The one absentee was Ledley King. His presence in the remainder of the competition is in doubt after the Tottenham captain was forced out at half-time at the weekend due to a groin injury.

Out: The fitness of Ledley King (left) has become a major headache for Fabio Capello

Out: The fitness of Ledley King (left) has become a major headache for Fabio Capello

And although club manager Harry Redknapp hinted King has had a scan and could be out for three weeks, the FA have so far refused to speculate on how long the defender will be sidelined.

However, it seems unlikely King will be involved until the semi-finals at the earliest, if England get that far.

England's striker Wayne Rooney
Ashley Cole of England jumps for a header with Landon Donovan of the United States

Key men: The return of Rooney and Cole to full training is a major boon