Thegoalmac Blog: England players stick together as they step up preparations ahead of Scotland clash

England looked focused on the task at hand as they were put through their paces by Gareth Southgate on Wednesday.

The Three Lions went through a a variety of unique exercises at St George's Park as they prepared to face old rivals Scotland in World Cup qualifying at Hampden Park on Saturday night.

England have taken control of Group F and are unbeaten from their first five games.

Arsenal star Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain jumps over hurdles as his team-mates watch on

West Ham left-back Aaron Cresswell looks on as the Three Lions stretch out

The team remained in high spirits despite the news that Leicester striker Jamie Vardy will no longer be able to take part in the crunch encounter.

The forward felt a twinge in his quadricep muscle in Tuesday's session and has left the squad ahead of the weekend clash in Glasgow.

The withdrawal has been described as precautionary with Vardy returning to Leicester to be assessed by club medics.

Southgate's men cruised to a 3-0 victory over the Scots at Wembley back in November and will be confident that they can maintain their lead at the top of the group, which currently stands at four points.

One player who has been thrown into the spotlight over the past couple of days is Marcus Rashford, with the Manchester United youngster being named in the senior squad despite Southgate initially stating he should take part in this summer's U21 European Championships.

Oxlade-Chamberlain (right) works with a resistance band to improve his power at training

Dele Alli (left) uses a stick to compare the height of Raheem Sterling and Trippier

Tottenham striker Kane plays a pass as the players took to the training pitches at St George's

Returning goalkeeper Jack Butland makes a diving save at St George's Park

Rashford, however, does not believe been thrown in at the deep end too quickly.

'To me, it is not being fast-tracked,' he explained. 'There have been a lot of games and I think England and United have both dealt with it in a positive way and they are dealing with the situation well. I feel comfortable with it.

'I think it's a decision (being named in the senior squad) he [Southgate] has had to think about and what is best for him and for country and for me as a player.

'For me, it was just about be waiting for the decision and I'm thankful he has made the decision for me to be with the seniors and to continue my development.