Gerrard faces fitness fight

Last updated : 02 September 2004 By Chris Maxwell
The 24-year-old Anfield captain would be desperately missed by a national side shorn of the talents of the retired Paul Scholes and the injured Newcastle player Nicky Butt.

Gerrard will be assessed on Friday morning before a decision will be made on whether the thigh strain suffered in training will rule him out of action.

The Football Association's head of media relations Adrian Bevington said: "Steven Gerrard pulled out of the final 10 minutes of training with a tight groin. He will receive treatment and will be re-assessed on Friday morning."