 On Thursday, Gerrard said he was "50-50" to face Paraguay |
England coach Sven-Goran Eriksson says he expects midfielder Steven Gerrard to play against Paraguay in the World Cup on Saturday after a back problem. Gerrard, 26, joined in England's training session on Friday and was put through some rigorous exercises.
"Everyone is fit," confirmed Eriksson. "Gerrard trained very well and should be on the pitch if there is no reaction to his back injury overnight."
Gerrard is desperate to play as he missed the last World Cup with injury.
The Liverpool captain jogged around the ground with coach Sammy Lee before joining physio Gary Lewin for running and treatment away from the squad.
Gerrard's problem was clearly a cause of concern for England because he quickly broke away from the main group after the initial light jogging.
Having been in discussions with Lee, he went to do another lap of the pitch with Lewin before stopping for some strenuous exercises on his problematic back.
After starting to jog around the pitch again he stopped to go for further exercises under the supervision of Lewin.
Wayne Rooney took a full part in the session as he recovers from a broken metatarsal.
Rooney was in an exuberant mood during the session away from the controversy over when he would return to action.
He put in tough tackles on Jermaine Jenas and John Terry and was looking confident about his fitness.
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News conference: England boss Sven-Goran Eriksson