Gerrard withdraws from training

England coach Sven-Goran Eriksson is confident Steven Gerrard will be fit to play in the World Cup qualifier against Austria on Saturday, despite missing the end of today‘s training session with a groin injury.

The full 22-man squad had started this morning’s work-out at Arsenal’s London Colney complex after Manchester City winger Shaun Wright-Phillips recovered from a slight ankle injury to take part.

However, Liverpool midfielder Gerrard withdrew from the closing minutes after being troubled by a tight groin.

The Football Association‘s head of media relations Adrian Bevington said: “Steven Gerrard pulled out of the final 10 minutes of training today with a tight groin.

“He will receive treatment today and will be re-assessed in the morning to see if he can take part in tomorrow’s session.

“We are very confident that he will be able to do so.”

England departed for Vienna this afternoon, and are scheduled to train in the Ernst-Happel Stadium tomorrow ahead of their opening World Cup Group Six qualifying campaign.

The squad will then move on to Poland for Wednesday’s match in Chorzow.