Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain looks on course for a quick return to action after he took part in an intense sprint workout during England's first full training session in Rio de Janeiro.

The Aresnal winger's participation in the World Cup was thrown into doubt when he strained a medial knee ligament in England's draw against Ecuador in Miami last week.

He sat inside as the rest of the 23-man squad took part in a full training session at the Urca military base on Monday, but he did emerge later to embark upon a series of shuttle runs with fitness coach Tony Strudwick.

Oxlade-Chamberlain wore a brace on his injured right knee, but he put in a series of 20-yard bursts at full speed, which is welcome news for Roy Hodgson ahead of Saturday's Group D opener against Italy in Manaus.

Hodgson has until Friday to decide whether he wants to replace the 20-year-old with either Jon Flanagan or John Stones, who are on standby.

Steven Gerrard did not complete the hour-long session in near-30 degree heat, but it later emerged that the England captain withdrew as he only had a tight groin.

England were given a typically- Brazilian welcome for their first session at the training base, which stands in the shadow of Sugarloaf Mountain.

A samba band made up of 20 children from local Sport Relief funded project, Bola Pra Frente, greeted the squad as they came out to train.

A local man sang Queen song 'We are the Champions' as the squad posed for pictures.

The bookmakers regard England as anything but potential champions, but Brazil's most famous footballer, Pele, seems to regard the Three Lions as contenders.

Asked about England's chances, he said: "England - like Brazil, Italy, France - have a reputation. We must be prepared for them."

As you would expect for a military base, security was tight around the squad as they trained on Monday.

In the seas behind the pitch a submarine was visible.

England were given a police escort to the training ground, although they were held up for a few minutes as the coach had left without Ross Barkley, who returned to cheers from the rest of the players.

The Everton man is one of the more inexperienced players in the England squad, and he admits it is a surreal experience to be part of the biggest tournament on the planet.

"That is what I dream about, playing against the best players in the world," he said.

"It's every kid's dream to be doing things like that and hopefully I will get the chance.

"I feel ready for anything. It is football, it is not life or death.

"You have to go on the pitch and get a result and focus on what you have to do on the pitch and not get distracted.

"The top players produce it every week.

"I will learn a lot. I went to the World Cup with the Under-20s last summer and I learned a lot there - about the environment, playing against the big countries.

"I've never been to South America, I will learn about the temperatures, preparing for games, being away from home; it will be a good learning curve for me and a great experience."