Beckham steps up fight to be fit for German tie

Published on Tuesday 28 August 2001 01:00

The England captain David Beckham received intensive treatment on his groin injury yesterday as he began his race against time to be fit for the World Cup qualifier in Germany on Saturday.

Beckham became coach Sven Goran Eriksson’s main fitness worry after injuring himself during Manchester United’s 1-1 draw at Aston Villa on Sunday.

He hobbled off the pitch in great pain - and despite a positive prognosis by United manager Sir Alex Ferguson, the midfielder still faces a battle to regain full fitness.

He will join up along with the rest of the England squad today, and there is cautious optimism in the camp that he will still be able to face Germany in Munich.

However, a decision on whether he needs a scan will not be taken until his injury is reassessed this morning.

Paul Newman, the Football Association’s head of communications, said yesterday: "David has been receiving intensive treatment at his home today from the England physio Gary Lewin.

"Gary has described it as a ‘mild groin strain’. There is less damage than first feared, but it is very difficult to tell the extent of the injury in the first 48 hours.

"David will continue to have treatment and will be assessed in the morning before a decision is taken as to whether he will have a scan.

"He will be reporting as normal with the other players to the team hotel tomorrow."

Beckham has been an ever-present in the England side for the six matches since Eriksson took charge. He has missed just one England international in the past 21 months, the away draw in Finland last October.

Eriksson would be loath to lose his services for such a vital game, especially with the likes of Kieron Dyer being out injured.

The alternatives within the squad on the right wing would mainly consist of Steve McManaman, who has not yet started a competitive game this season, or Nicky Barmby.

Newcastle striker Shola Ameobi and Blackburn defender Martin Taylor have been drafted into David Platt’s England under-21 squad for the European Championship clashes with Germany and Albania.

The pair were added after Derby’s Malcolm Christie and Chris Riggott and Ipswich Town’s Titus Bramble were forced to withdraw with injuries picked up on Saturday.