Soccer: Gloom as England side depart for cup

By GLENN MOORE in London

In the context of recent events, England's departure to Dubai yesterday for the first leg of their World Cup preparation, must be regarded as a success.

No one pulled a muscle lifting their bags on to the weighing Machine at check-in, and no one broke a metatarsal tripping on the aircraft steps.

Nevertheless, the knowledge that neither Steven Gerrard nor Kieron Dyer were on board meant the party departed Luton Airport under a metaphorical cloud as well as a meteorological one.

David Beckham did ease the gloom with a personal assessment that he was "95 per cent" sure of playing in the opening tie, against Sweden on June 2, but otherwise the only sunshine was provided by the wide-eyed joy of Danny Murphy and Trevor Sinclair, the probable beneficiaries of Gerrard and Dyer's misfortune.

Neither are yet sure of inclusion as coach Sven Goran Eriksson has given the injury victims until the weekend, when the party move on to South Korea, to prove they will be fit. However, neither seem likely to meet that deadline.

Dyer was yesterday undergoing treatment in Newcastle hoping for a medical miracle. His agent, Jonathan Barnett, and his friend, Rio Ferdinand, said Dyer remained optimistic despite damaging his knee ligaments.

"I spoke to him this morning and he thinks he has a good chance," Ferdinand said before embarking at Luton Airport.

Barnett said: "The doctors are not very hopeful, but he heals quickly and is a very determined man."

Barnett, who said Dyer may take legal action against Tahar El Khalej, the Southampton defender whose reckless tackle caused the injury, added: "He won't go unless he knows for certain he will be fit in time."

Meanwhile, Gerrard, who has suffered a recurrence of his groin injury, visited a specialist in Belgium.

An operation may be required and his manager at Liverpool, Gerard Houllier, admitted: "I don't think Steven will play in the World Cup. It wouldn't be fair on anyone for him to go out there and play one game and then miss the rest of the competition."

Sympathy came from Michael Owen, a team-mate since the pair were 12.

"It will be a bitter blow if he is out because he really has something to give on the world stage."

- INDEPENDENT