The England coach would ideally be keen to keep his players together at their training camp to maintain squad spirit as he is finally able to focus on the World Cup.

However, he was due to speak to the medical staff at Manchester United today to gauge opinion as to whether the injured duo’s treatment would instead be better served at Old Trafford.

‘‘We have a very good medical staff, who can treat any players who need it, but that is one thing we are discussing with Manchester United,’’ he revealed.

While Beckham is believed to be progressing well in his recovery from a broken foot, Butt is set to come back at about the same time in a fortnight or so - from a knee injury sustained in training only on Monday.

Given the worries of the midfielders’ fitness, Liverpool’s Danny Murphy has nevertheless been put on standby.

He will not travel with the squad to Dubai but will remain in England and stay fit until the official squad list has to be submitted to FIFA on May 21.

‘‘I talked to him and he accepts the situation and I’m very happy about that,’’ said Eriksson.

‘‘He will stay in England and stay fit. That is his choice and my choice,’’ added the England coach.

During their five-day stay in Dubai before flying out to Korea for their first warm-up game in the Far East, the England players and their partners will be able to relax after a long season.

Eriksson, who is still hoping not to suffer any last-minute injury blows in Saturday’s final round of Barclaycard Premiership matches, said: ‘‘We will give them a little work but a lot of rest.’’

Only then will the England coach truly be able to start concentrating on the World Cup finals.

‘‘I am looking forward to having all the players for more than two-and-a-half days.

‘‘From Monday, we can be focused on the World Cup and, as a manager, I look forward to that,’’ he added.

Previously he has focused on the 23-man squad unveiled yesterday with 35-year-old Martin Keown offering the experience to complement the youthful promise of Wes Brown and Joe Cole among 12 players aged 24 or under.

Keown is one of five centre-backs in the squad, although Brown is technically considered as back-up to Danny Mills at right-back.

That meant a second World Cup heartbreak for Phil Neville, while Jamie Carragher - who needs an operation - Ugo Ehiogu, Trevor Sinclair, Frank Lampard and Matt Jansen also missed out.

That safety-first policy in selecting eight defenders does leave the midfield rather short, especially with doubts over not only Beckham and Butt, but also Steven Gerrard and Kieron Dyer previously this season.

However, Eriksson believes that Emile Heskey offers cover in midfield and insisted: ‘‘We have two men in every position. We thought about an extra midfielder but you can try to be too clever.’’

He has not set his sights beyond ‘‘surviving’’ the difficult group stage, although he insists that England should be seen as ‘‘dark horses’’ for the tournament.

And while looking to the future in a squad with an average age of just 26, he has scotched reports that there are any doubts over his long-term position with the national team.

‘‘I am happy with my squad and confident we will have a good World Cup. I’ve always said I have a contract after the tournament,’’ he said.

‘‘Of course I want to stay as manager of England, which has always been my wish as long as my boss, Adam Crozier, doesn’t throw me out!’’