The Manchester City midfielder missed the Three Lions previous two fixtures against Germany and Hungary after a positive COVID-19 test forced him to leave the international camp.
Foden rejoined the group for Friday morning’s session at St George’s Park, but Gareth Southgate admitted he is still short of full fitness and will need to be assessed ahead of the EURO 2020 final re-run at Molineux.
“Phil joined in with training this morning,” Southgate said at his pre-match press conference.
“He is progressing. Not quickly, I would have to say, so there is still some doubt as to whether he can be involved in either game.
“But he is obviously keen to be here and wants to do it, so we are going to give him as long as we possibly can and keep monitoring each day.”
Leeds United’s Kalvin Phillips aside, Southgate has no other fitness concerns ahead of England’s third game in 11 days, meaning Jack Grealish, Raheem Sterling, John Stones and Kyle Walker could all be involved against Italy.
Grealish delivered an impressive cameo off the bench as England came from behind to draw with Germany last time out.
City’s No.10 was a lively and dangerous presence down the left flank and Southgate says the playmaker is not only a player he enjoys working with, but someone whose attitude and love of the game has a positive influence on the entire group.
“Jack had a fabulous impact in the game when he came on,” added the England boss.
“I know he enjoys his football with us. He also enjoys his football with his club - it’s important to say that.
“He has learned a huge amount this year and been part of a team that has won a league championship, which is massively important to him as well.
“He is a player we enjoy working with. He has got a great mentality, great character and I think he is a really good guy to have around the group.
“He has that joy at having a football at his feet, which adds so much when you see players in training every day.”
