Gerrard set to make England opener
England midfielder Steven Gerrard is set to be named in the starting XI against Paraguay tomorrow after coming through training unscathed.
The 26-year-old Liverpool skipper had been suffering from a stiff back but will feature in England's World Cup opener in Frankfurt if there is no further reaction to the injury.
England boss Sven-Goran Eriksson said: "Everyone is fit. Steven Gerrard trained very well and should be on the pitch tomorrow if there is no reaction to his back injury overnight."
The inspirational Liverpool midfielder rated his chances of making the Group B clash at "50-50" just yesterday as he battled to overcome a knock on his hip which caused him to go into back spasms during training earlier in the week.
But Gerrard did an extended warm up with coach Steve McClaren before joining the rest of his team-mates during this afternoon's training session.
Sven-Goran Eriksson told Sky Sports News: "He did everything except some crosses."
But the Swede had no regrets about sending Jermain Defoe home after Wayne Rooney was passed fit.
"I am happy with the players I have picked.
"I feel sorry for Defoe of course I do and he has behaved excellently and has been a 100% professional.
"He should be in the squad but I have to pick 23 players and I thanked him yesterday. But I don't regret what I did."
