Gary Neville is set to return to the England side when they kick off their Euro 2004 qualifying campaign against Slovakia in Bratislava.

England coach Sven-Goran Eriksson has hinted that the Manchester United defender is set to take over from Danny Mills at right-back.

Eriksson was impressed with Mills' consistency during the World Cup but is keen to rekindle the link-up between Neville and Old Trafford team-mate David Beckham down England's right.

Beckham sat out England's training session at Bisham Abbey on Wednesday but is likely to be fit for Saturday's game.

The England captain missed the session as a precaution having suffered a slight calf injury in Manchester United's win over Everton on Monday.

Neville impressed in that Old Trafford victory, which was watched by the England coach.

"I think Gary Neville is ready to play, even with the national team," Eriksson said.

"I think he's ready to be picked in it and it's good to have him back again. He is playing better and better."

Neville missed the World Cup because of injury and only returned to the Manchester United starting line-up on 1 October following three substitute appearances.

But experience is also likely to count in his favour, with Eriksson already without Rio Ferdinand and waiting for news over the fitness of Sol Campbell.

And his link-up play with Beckham means Neville is set to win a 53rd England cap.

"They have played together for eight years so they should know each other very well," observed Eriksson.

"When Danny Mills played at right-back for us, he always did very well and had a good World Cup.

"It's a nice problem to have with two very good right-backs."

Mills believes he has done enough to keep hold of the number two shirt.

"I don't pick the team - but if I did I would play myself," Mills told the Sun.

"Gary had been relatively unchallenged for a few years. Now I'm there and I think I've shown I deserve to be."

Ashley Cole was also rested from Wednesday's training session to enable him to recover from a knock sustained Arsenal's win against Sunderland on Sunday.

But Paul Scholes was set to take part in the Bisham work-out.