Sven-Goran Eriksson has confirmed that Kieron Dyer has won his fitness battle and will remain with the England squad for the World Cup.
“We have had four days now with everyone on the pitch playing football and Dyer is fit for Sunday,” said the Engand coach.
“When we left England it seemed very bad for Dyer, but he has worked hard, putting in six or seven hours a day with the medical staff, and he is ready.
“The medical team have been getting up at 7am and not finishing until midnight or 1am, so I must say well done to them.”
Dyer was injured on the final day of the Premiership season and it was feared at the time that the Newcasstlle United midifleder would miss the World Cup. But after three weeks of intensive treatment on a damaged knee, he has convinced the England medical teamm that he is now fully fit.
Dyer was understandably elated at the news.
“It is fantastic news because after the tackle I was told that I was not goingto be involved in the World Cup finals,” said Dyer.
“It seemed as if my dreams of going to the World Cup were going to turn into a nightmare. I was in so much pain the day afterwards. I was so low.
“Then it became clear that I had a chance of making it – and when Sven phoned me to ask me to join up with the squad, it was a massive boost.
“The fact you could change the squad up until 24 hours before the game has helped me a lot.”
Meanwhile, Owen Hargreaves looks a certain starter for England when they open their World Cup campaign against Sweden on Sunday.
‘We have a lot of players coming back from injuriesand Owen has been impressive in the friendlies,” said Eriksson.
