After six weeks of debate, speculation and opinion, Becks took to the training field today and answered all the questions about his fitness in the most eloquent of fashions.

"He had a session this morning and he did everything," said a beaming Sven in his first press conference in the sparkling new media centre on site at the team hotel in Awaji.

"He [Beckham] was taking corners, free-kicks and doing lots of running

"I was very pleased with what I saw. Hopefully they'll be no reaction and he'll be ready for action.

"Obviously everything depends on the next few days but I was there on the pitch to watch him practise today and it was a very good session."

The good news was not confined just to the skipper, as Sven reported further positive information about England's other injury hopefuls.

"Seaman, Butt and Fowler will all train today," he said.

"The only one who looks doubtful for the first game is Dyer, but he is making very good progress. As for a decision, we will have to decide at least by Friday whether we will keep him or not.

"I want to keep him but if he can't play for the first two or three games it might not be fair to."

Fitness matters aside, the immediate task for Sven and his team now is to make that transition between the friendly fire of the two warm up games to the intensity of competition that will greet them in the World Cup proper.

"They were two good friendlies (against South Korea and Cameroon) and we faced different football to what we are used to," Sven said.

"We did a good job in those games but of course we can play better, he have to play better and we will play better."

Asked whether playing the opening match against his home nation of Sweden would be an emotional experience for him, Eriksson emphasised that he and his players are taking an entirely professional approach to the challenges ahead.

"I don't think I'll feel special just because it's Sweden," he said.

"We have a job to do here and all three games that we play will be like finals."

And, at the moment, Sven is concentrating on winning that first final. "We are not starting looking for a draw on Sunday. We are looking for a win and so are Sweden," he stated.

"We also both know that we are going to face Argentina and, whether I agree or not, people all over the world will tell you that Argentina are considered the favourites.

"But I am not going to talk or even think about Argentina now because in football the next game is always the most important.

"The fact that England has not beaten Sweden for 34 years shows how difficult it is. So let's hope we play some good football and get the right result.

"In fact, lest just hope we get the right result!"

Priorities, priorities...