Sven sweats over Beckham

Published on Friday 5 September 2003 01:00

SVEN-GORAN ERIKSSON was today looking for David Beckham to shake off doubts over his fitness by coming through a work-out ahead of England’s Euro 2004 qualifier in Macedonia.

Beckham is England’s one remaining worry after a week in which Paul Scholes, Steven Gerrard, Rio Ferdinand and Trevor Sinclair have all been ruled out.

The England captain only went through a solo session in the gym yesterday with physio Gary Lewin after sustaining a "tight groin" during Real Madrid’s match against Villarreal on Tuesday night.

Football Association head of media Adrian Bevington revealed: "David’s session in the gym went well and it is expected that he will take part in training with the rest of the squad today."

The fitness test will nevertheless show whether Eriksson can include Beckham in his plans for the qualifier.

With Gerrard and Scholes removed from the heart of the midfield, the England coach will be especially keen to have Beckham available.

After all, not only does he inspire the national side with his drive and determination, but he has scored 11 times since Eriksson took charge.

Otherwise, Danny Murphy or Kieron Dyer would presumably come into a midfield already featuring two players - Frank Lampard and Owen Hargreaves - with just 25 caps between them.

Nicky Butt should also be there despite only having played for 15 minutes as a substitute against Southampton last weekend after recovering from an ankle injury.

Elsewhere, Wales striker Craig Bellamy took part in a training session at the San Siro ahead of Wales’ crucial World Cup qualifying game against Italy.

The Newcastle star has been struggling with a knee injury and boss Mark Hughes is now expected to make a late decision on his fitness.