PAUL INCE has given coach Glenn Hoddle what could become a massive World Cup headache after suffering a worrying-looking reaction to his ankle problem.

The Liverpool hardman had already been sidelined for three weeks with the injury, sustained in a challenge with Arsenal striker and England teammate Ian Wright at Anfield during the final week of the season. But after some gentle work-outs at Bisham Abbey last week and a light session at England's camp in La Manga on Monday evening, Ince was scheduled to complete his first full training on Tuesday morning. However, he was unable even to take part in the warm-up programme and was visibly wincing and grimacing before telling Hoddle that he couldn't participate. The concern was such that Ince was instantly surrounded by England's four man team of doctors and physios and, at one stage, he was given manipulative treatment to the ankle by main physiotherapist Gary Lewin.

Then the former Manchester United and Inter Milan star sat disconsolately in the dug-out hardly daring to contemplate the worst-case scenario of missing France 98 before emerging briefly to sign some autographs. Hoddle tried to play down the significance of the injury claiming that it was nothing mega-drastic , that his being rested up was a precautionary measure and that there was no problem in him recovering for the first World Cup game. But Ince's reaction, which included a sad shake of the head, has set alarm bells ringing and even the England coach admitted: I could see that Paul wasn't happy. We had a jog together and talked it through, but the medical staff said no to him taking part and it was decided to rest him