Sven-Goran Eriksson has admitted his fears for England’s injured stars are growing as the clock ticks towards the end of the season.

Experienced internationals including Ashley Cole, Sol Campbell and Michael Owen are all sidelined with injuries and Eriksson wants to name his 23-man squad on May 8th.

But the Swede had encouraging news about his key trio. Eriksson said: "I spoke to Ashley Cole twice recently and he thinks he will be back in training in two weeks.

"Michael Owen is supposed to be ready very soon and Sol played in a reserve game yesterday and that’s very good news. I have concerns about all of them because we are in the middle of March and the season finishes for them at the beginning of May.

"I hope all of them will be on the pitch very soon."

England’s other injury worries include Kieron Dyer, Jonathan Woodgate, Wayne Bridge and Owen Hargreaves. Eriksson was in Germany today to check on the training and hotel facilities at England’s remote World Cup base in the Black Forest.