Steven Gerrard's England career is in danger of being put on hold yet again. The Liverpool midfielder woke up yesterday with a stiff back and is a doubt for tomorrow's World Cup qualifier against Finland at Anfield, his home ground. Back, groin and thigh problems have so far forced him to withdraw from nine England squads. He may be able to play against Finland but yesterday's reminder of his fragile fitness almost certainly means that Sven-Goran Eriksson, the England coach, cannot realistically think about playing him both in this game and in Albania four days later.

The England medical staff hope the hot bath and massage he had yesterday morning has eased his back sufficiently to prevent further crises. All the same Manchester United's Nicky Butt now seems likely to play in Tirana.

Arsenal's David Seaman, another back sufferer, came through a full practice session and will almost certainly return to the side. There are, however, slight doubts about Sol Campbell's fitness.

Scotland, who play Belgium in Group Six, are on course to have their full squad available. Dominic Matteo did not train because of a calf strain, but manager Craig Brown insisted it was merely a precaution and the left-sided Leeds man was still on course to win his second cap.

Andorra will be without promising defender Marc Bernaus for World Cup qualifiers against Holland and the Republic of Ireland in the next six days after he opted to put club before country.

Bernaus will play for Spanish third division side Gimnastic Tarragona against Espanyol B on Saturday.