Gerrard and Rooney train at Frankfurt Stadium

FRANKFURT, June 9: England midfielder Steven Gerrard, who said he was only 50-50 for their World Cup opener against Paraguay, began today's training session with the rest of the squad at Frankfurt Stadium.

Gerrard, who told reporters yesterday he was suffering from a back spasm, did some jogging and ball work with his team mates on the pitch that will host Saturday's game in Group B.

The midfielder, who also spent time warming up away from the rest of the squad, is expected to be fit to face the South Americans.

Wayne Rooney, who coach Sven-Goran Eriksson said was over his broken foot, was also on the pitch for the session, which was closed to the media after 15 minutes.

Eriksson has not ruled out using the 20-year-old striker in the group stages, though he is not expected to take any part tomorrow.

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REUTERS