Final check for Gerrard

Sven-Goran Eriksson will check on Steven Gerrard’s fitness before he finalises his team for today’s World Cup clash with Paraguay.

Gerrard is hopeful of being fit despite feeling more discomfort in his back during yesterday’s training session at Frankfurt’s Waldstadion.

The Liverpool skipper completed an extensive warm-up before joining his team-mates.

He missed some of the more intensive drills but took part as Eriksson lined up 11-v-11 on half a pitch. Then he finished the session early.

Eriksson is worried that the nagging problem may become more serious if he plays and may decide not to risk him against the Paraguayans.

Jermaine Jenas and Michael Carrick are the obvious replacements if the Liverpool midfielder is withdrawn at the last minute.

Jenas may get the nod because Eriksson is anxious to hit Paraguay with a high-tempo approach in midfield.

Gerrard complained of his back problem earlier this week. He said he took a knock on the hip and his back had stiffened up.

He dropped out of training on Tuesday and had a day off before returning on Thursday.

Yesterday Eriksson said: “We will look at him in the morning. It is the back problem he had two years ago. It tightened up. I don’t think he will have a fitness test. The back is good or bad and that’s it.

“If it is like today, he will play. If it is much worse, why should we risk him for the first game? It will be the first thing I check in the morning.”

England are expected to start in a traditional 4-4-2 system, with Peter Crouch partnering Michael Owen up front in the absence of Wayne Rooney.