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BECKHAM/ DYER GIVEN FITNESS DEADLINE
SVEN GORAN ERIKSSON has given England midfielders David Beckham and Kieron Dyer, until Friday 31st May to prove their fitness for the World Cup game against Sweden.
The England boss has told the two players that if they are to be play any part in England’s World Cup opener they must take part in full training by Friday.
David Beckham is still to kick a football with his injured left foot, but recent X-rays revealed that the broken bone had nearly healed. Kieron Dyer’s situation is isn’t as positive, the Newcastle midfielder is still only taking part in a light training schedule.
If Dyer cannot prove his fitness before June 1 – the FIFA deadline to replace injured players – and show Eriksson he will be fit in time for England’s second group game against Argentina, then the Newcastle midfielder will be sent home.
Speaking at a press conference today Eriksson explained the Beckham situation: "He will not play against Cameroon, although he's doing very well, working very hard and kicking the ball, although I didn't ask him if he had yet kicked a ball with his left foot.
"If he can't train fully by Friday, it would be very difficult to play against Sweden.
"If I put my hand on my heart, I think he will play, but if I put my hand on my head, I don't know."
Eriksson was more downbeat when talking about Kieron Dyer’s chances: "If we think Kieron Dyer's going to struggle to play against Sweden or Argentina, it's very doubtful that he'd take part in the World Cup.
"If he took a medical examination today, he'd fail it.
"I hope he is fit for Sweden, but if he's not going to be available for Argentina, it's very doubtful that he'll take part."