Gerrard fit for England

Steven Gerrard has been passed fit and plays for England in tonight’s 2006 World Cup qualifier against Austria, according to Sky Sports.

The Liverpool midfielder had been rated only 50-50 for the game in Vienna with a groin injury which forced him to miss training.

Had Gerrard missed out David Beckham was earmarked to move into central midfield alongside Frank Lampard.

Up front Alan Smith is expected to partner Michael Owen in the absence of Wayne Rooney, while John Terry and Ledley King form a relatively inexperienced central defensive partnership.