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Having already had to deal with the loss of Chris Smalling, Roy Hodgson could be going into the Euros without one of England’s most trusted lieutenants.

Occasional England captain and all round good guy Scott Parker is currently struggling with an Achilles problem that Harry Redknapp has suggested might take a bit of time to clear up.

With less than a month to go until kick-off in Poland and Ukraine, time is not something that’s on Parker’s side so it looks as if he’ll have to either play through the pain or get it cleared up sharpish if he’s going to figure for Ingerland at the tournament.

Speaking ahead of Spurs’ crucial clash with Fulham on Sunday, Redknapp said: "At the moment he is struggling with fitness.

"He has not been fit for the last couple of weeks. It is not a rupture but it is sore. He is not going to train and we are going to see how he is and whether he could be available for the weekend. It is bothering him at the moment. After Sunday he will have some injections in it and see if that can clear it up. He's been carrying it for a few weeks.

"Maybe the only cure is a bit of rest but maybe the injections might clear it up. The specialist thinks it will clear up but it will need around 10 days rest afterwards. We are hoping it will be OK."

Judging by Redknapp’s comments, Parker should be OK for the start of the tournament next month and will likely be named in Hodgson's squad on Wednesday, but Achilles injuries are a mysterious beast and the Spurs midfielder looks a major doubt for the warm-up friendly matches with Norway and Belgium before the Euros.

Or else, he’s perfectly fine and ‘Arry is deliberately trying to undermine Roy Hodgson after he was sensationally overlooked for the England job despite the being the number one candidate for so long

But Harry wouldn’t be that devious, would he?