Football
Mark Ogden, Senior Writer, ESPN FC 7y

Manchester United's Phil Jones passed fit for England after ankle injury fears

Manchester United defender Phil Jones will be fit to play in England's World Cup qualifiers against Malta and Slovakia after being assessed by the Football Association's medical staff, sources have told ESPN FC.

The 25-year-old had emerged as a doubt for the double-header, which begins with the game against Malta in Valletta on Friday, following claims by United manager Jose Mourinho that Jones has been troubled by an ankle injury during the club's opening fortnight of the season.

The former Blackburn Rovers defender has been plagued by injuries since moving to Old Trafford from Ewood Park in 2011, making only 21 international appearances in that time.

And an injury sustained while training on England duty in March forced Jones to miss the final stages of last season as United ultimately won the Europa League in Stockholm.

But after joining up with Gareth Southgate's squad at St George's Park on Sunday evening, Jones has been cleared to participate in training, with sources telling ESPN FC that the player is "fine."

England can secure qualification for Russia 2018 if results go in their favour during the forthcoming international break.

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