Gerrard, Ferdinand back in reckoning

STEVEN GERRARD and Rio Ferdinand both returned to training with England yesterday ahead of Wednesday’s Euro 2004 qualifier against Liechtenstein.

Gerrard and Ferdinand were both ruled out of Saturday night's qualifier in Macedonia, which England won 2-1, with no further injury problems arising out of the game. Goals from Wayne Rooney and a David Beckham penalty won the game for England after Histov had put Macedonia ahead in the first-half.

The England medical staff are now hopeful that both players will be available for selection for the match against Liechtenstein at Old Trafford on Wednesday night. Both have responded to treatment and, while PaulScholes is ruled out with a hernia problem, Sven-Goran Eriksson will hope to have Gerrard and Ferdinand available.