Having returned from a coaches convention in Sweden earlier in the week, Sven has been presented with some notable fitness boosts as he turns his mind towards England's double-header next month.

Not only has Rio Ferdinand already returned to action, but Sir Alex Ferguson has today said that he hopes to have Wayne Rooney and Gary Neville available in seven days time.

Sven is understandably encouraged by the news.

"Firstly I must say that it's very good that Rio Ferdinand is back," he admitted. "I spoke to Sammy Lee and he said that he played very well against Liverpool. This is good news.

"With Wayne Rooney, it is also positive that he is progressing. He is a very interesting player for us and for sure I will be watching how he does before I name my squad next Sunday.

"And Gary Neville coming back is good news too. If he can have a possibility to play in the games against Wales and Azerbaijan he will offer the team many things."

At this stage, the only big injury blow is the loss of Steven Gerrard.

"Yes it's a shame that Steven Gerrard is out," said Sven, "especially as he is developing a very good understanding with Frank Lampard but I hope that Nicky Butt can come back in. He could be a very important player for us in these games.

"At the moment it looks positive for us. If all these players can come back and be fit, we will have very many options and I will have the kind of dilemmas that every manager should want."

First stop for Sven though is White Hart Lane where he will watch Spurs take on Manchester United in the Premier League.

"It should be a very good game and I must say that for Tottenham, and for England, Paul Robinson, Ledley King and Jermain Defoe are all playing very well at the moment."

England take on Wales at Rooney's home ground of Old Trafford on 09 October before travelling to Baku to play Azerbaijan four days later.

Sven will name his squad for the double-header exclusively on TheFA.com on the evening of Sunday 03 October.