"[I] can say that the team is in a good shape. Much better in comparison to last year. The same goes for the goalkeepers – all four of them. [We] already have some options [for the World Cup] regarding the goalkeepers," Stauce told journalists.

He added that 34-year-old Vladimir Gabulov has improved his form since he decided to join Belgian Side Club Bruges.

"[Playing] in Belgium had a good effect on Gabulov. He played in a new league and found it was tough to adapt to a new way of life. He already had a lot of experience, but now he has gained even more,” Stauce added.

Gabulov made his debut during qualification for UEFA EURO 2008, following an injury to Igor Akinfeev and was part of the squad for the subsequent tournament. He was also a part of Russia’s 2017 FIFA Confederations Cup squad and was named in head coach Stanislav Cherchesov’s preliminary 28-man line-up for the World Cup in Russia.

Russia's first-ever World Cup will be held between June 14 and July 15 at 12 arenas in 11 cities across the country.

Russia will face Egypt, Saudi Arabia and Uruguay in Group A.