Injured Beckham still on
course for finals
David Beckham's recovery from a foot injury is progressing slowly, but England remain confident that their captain will be fit for the World Cup.
The Manchester United midfielder, who is nursing a broken bone in his left foot, enjoyed a light training session on Friday, the final full day of England's stay in Dubai ahead of the South Korea and Japan finals.
"It is true that David is still unable to kick the ball with his left foot," Paul Newman, the Football Association's spokesman, told reporters.
"David took part in today's work out at the Dubai Police Officers' Club. He jogged for some time before carrying out light training with the ball.
"But I still don't think he can use his left foot properly. We are working in close liaison with doctors at Manchester United and he will definitely catch our first match against Sweden."
The Sweden game is on June 2, followed by other group F fixtures against Argentina and Nigeria.
Special transport was arranged for Beckham in Dubai as he needed more space to place his left leg comfortably in front of him.
Nicky Butt, Beckham's club collegue, re-joined training with his England team mates after showing encouraging progress from a knee injury.
Sol Campbell, who has a gashed shin, again trained in the gym at the Jumeirah Beach Club, where the squad is staying along with their family members.
"It's just continuation of the careful preparation that has been specially planned for each player in the squad," said Newman.
"Campbell, who picked up a minor knock over the weekend, is recovering and the doctors attending on him advised him more rest.
"Otherwise, every one is in good health and good spirit."
Newman said the players will have free time later on Friday.
"Some of the them may go shopping and others may prefer to take rest," he said.
"It's their choice. There are no restrictions and no curfews. This is essentially a holiday and not a training camp."
England fly to South Korea on Saturday, where they will play the co-host nation in a warm-up game on Tuesday.
They also face Cameroon in a friendly on May 26 before the finals begin on May 31.
