England trio absent from training

Paul Scholes was missing from the first training session

Alan Shearer, Paul Scholes and Tony Adams were all absent from England's first training session in Spa.

Shearer's failure to participate will only swell the doubts surrounding his fitness, the England captain having had a scan on his knee before arriving at the training camp.

The Newcastle striker watched from the sidelines as his international team-mates participated in an eight-a-side practise match.

Manchester United midfielder Scholes and Arsenal captain Adams were also missing from the session, with the former suffering from a slight back strain.

While the possible absence of Shearer from the opening game against Portugal is a blow, England coach Kevin Keegan is in a position where he can send for a replacement before kick-off on Monday.

Tony Adams has had an injury ravaged season

Guido Tognoni, head of Uefa's national teams department, confirmed that any replacement could come from outside the original 28-man provisional squad gathered by Keegan.

Shearer would first have to be registered as unable to take part in the tournament by the England team doctor and Uefa's medical committee before the Portugal clash.

"Any player who is eligible for England can replace an injured player," said Tognoni.

That would clear the way for the likes of Teddy Sheringham or Dion Dublin to be involved, although it seems very doubtful that Keegan would rule out a man who has started every single game for him since becoming England coach.