England delay Gerrard decision

England manager Sven-Goran Eriksson will decide tomorrow lunchtime whether Steven Gerrard can play any part in the World Cup qualifier against Austria.

The Liverpool captain is struggling with a groin injury and is unlikely to train today. Nicky Butt is already ruled out of the match with a hamstring injury.

Eriksson told Sky Sports News: “Steven Gerrard has a small groin problem. He got it yesterday and we took a scan.

“We can’t see anything, so it is not a serious problem but still a small problem and I don’t think he will train today.

“We will take a decision tomorrow lunchtime whether he will play or not. If there is a risk of him making it worse he will not play. We will leave it as late as possible (to decide) because it’s Steven Gerrard.

“One option is to bring David Beckham into the centre and have Shaun Wright-Phillips on the right. It is a good option.”