But Kieron Dyer is still doubtful for the game. The England manager will make a decision before the first match about whether Dyer will be replaced in the squad.

David Seaman, Nicky Butt, Ashley Cole and Robbie Fowler are likely to be fit for Sunday.

As for Beckham, Eriksson said: ''We think he will be ready for Sweden. It looks very good today. We are very, very optimistic.

"We did a session this morning and he did everything - free kicks, some corners, a lot of shooting, a lot of running. Hopefully this afternoon or maybe tomorrow he will do everything we ask. Hopefully there will not be a reaction.

"He did a very good session today, without any pain at all. If things go as we think, yes, he will start. I was very pleased with what I saw today," Eriksson said.

Eriksson admitted that Beckham still had not been tackled in any of the training sessions.

"Maybe I will ask of them (the other players) to do a tackle against his left foot. But he has to play normal football because otherwise he won't be ready for Sunday."

Eriksson promised England would improve following the draws with South Korea and Cameroon.

He added: "Four, five or six players already know they will play against Sweden so why should they do more than just do a job? They will play better when the World Cup starts.'''