Beckham given '50-50' chance of facing Sweden

To the relief of thousands of Japanese fans, and the England team, David Beckham will not be coming home this week.

The suggestion, made in several Sunday newspapers, was brusquely dismissed by Sven Goran Eriksson. The England coach said: "I would not even dream about that. We have never, ever, talked about that."

Beckham delighted an adoring crowd with an extensive work-out before and after yesterday's match with Cameroon during which he ostentatiously used his left-foot for passing and juggling. "Everything seems good," Eriksson said. "He was running and kicking. I talked to him afterwards. There was no pain, no problems. I always told you he will play [in the World Cup]."

When that will be remains in doubt. While Beckham himself said his foot was "very good", Tord Grip put his chances of playing in England's opening match against Sweden on Sunday at "50-50".

Eriksson said England would begin gearing their practices to that match this week and would start by planning "two or three options" for midfield. He added: "That's not a problem. By Wednesday or Thursday we will know if Beckham plays or not." A decision on Kieron Dyer's future will also be taken this week. "I want, more or less, a guarantee he will be fit for Argentina," Eriksson said. If it was down to the player, he already has it.

"I might be training by Tuesday or Wednesday," said Dyer. "I can't believe how well the injury has settled down. I've a great chance. If I'm not fit for the first game, I'll definitely be fit for the second. Today was the first day I was running, actually sprinting, and there was no pain at all. I will definitely play in the World Cup."

While Beckham and Dyer continue their personal training routines Nicky Butt is now ready to join in with the rest of the squad and is on schedule to start against Sweden. "If [yesterday's 2-2 draw with] Cameroon had been an important game he might have played," Eriksson added.

Robbie Fowler, who had 15 minutes against Cameroon, and Ashley Cole are also close to full fitness. Like David Seaman, who missed yesterday's game with a groin strain, they are expected to be fit for the Sweden match on Sunday.

One player who will play, barring further injury, is Emile Heskey. Not that there are any doubts about his fitness, just his form. Heskey has scored three goals in 24 internationals – making a mockery of Eriksson's claim last week that: "Heskey always scores". He has looked off the pace in both Asian friendlies but Eriksson delivered what appears a much-needed lift when he said: "I'm not concerned about Heskey at all. He will play, whether up front or the left or the right. I believe in him."

Another option on the left, but not, apparently, the right, is Trevor Sinclair. The West Ham player, who had flown 16,000 miles since a poor display on the right on Tuesday, played on the left yesterday and gave his best performance in an England shirt. He said he had "taken stock" during his 50 hours in London and, after consultation with his club manager, Glenn Roeder, had told Eriksson on his return: "If you want to get the best out of me I should play in the position I play for West Ham."

Sinclair added: "I feel much more comfortable on the left. I'm now a lot happier in myself. I hope I have a real chance of playing in the World Cup."

There was a particularly heavy police presence around the England team yesterday after a breach in security in the system for accrediting journalists. A Sunday Mirror reporter, when he attempted to collect his pass last week, discovered it had already been issued to someone assuming his identity.