Neville misses training, Ferdinand back

STUTTGART, June 24 (Reuters) Injured England defender Gary Neville looked set to miss their World Cup second round clash with Ecuador, but Rio Ferdinand could well be back after returning to training today.

Neville missed England's final training at the Stuttgart stadium hosting Sunday's match, but Ferdinand took part in his first session -- the first 15 minutes of which were open to the media -- since Tuesday's 2-2 draw with Sweden.

Neville suffered a calf injury in training on June 14 - the eve of their 2-0 victory over Trinidad&Tobago. Ferdinand was replaced by Sol Campbell during Tuesday's 2-2 draw with Sweden with a groin injury.

Though Jamie Carragher replaced Neville against the Soca Warriors and the Swedes, coach Sven-Goran Eriksson is now expected to use Owen Hargreaves as a stand-in right back.

Although a holding midfielder by trade, Hargreaves played in Neville's position in their 2-1 defeat by Belarus in a 'B' international on May 25 at Reading.

REUTERS DH KN2022