England midfielder Steven Gerrard is a major injury doubt for Saturday’s World Cup qualifier against Austria because of a groin strain.

Gerrard pulled out of the last 10 minutes of training on Thursday and was not fit enough to train on Friday.

“It’s not serious,” said oach Sven-Goran Eriksson said. “We will take a decision on Saturday lunchtime whether he’ll play.

“If there’s a risk of him making it worse he will not play. We will leave it as late as possible.”

Eriksson could give Shaun Wright-Phillips his first competitive England start if Gerrard is unable to start.

“One option is to bring David Beckham into the centre and have Shaun Wright-Phillips on the right. It is a good option,” said Eriksson.

Eriksson also lamented the loss through injury of Wayne Rooney, but claimed he was happy with the alternatives.

“I should like Wayne Rooney fit for Saturday and Wednesday, of course I would like that because of what he showed in Portugal when he was fit.

“But we have four very good strikers and all seem to be in good shape.”