Beckham shakes off niggle

Beckham: Determined to be fit to face Greece

David Beckham has come through England's final training session in Spain before their departure for Athens.

Together with team-mates Paul Scholes and David Seaman, Beckham, proved his fitness ahead of Wednesday's World Cup qualifier against Greece.

However, Steven Gerrard again did not take part in the full session and instead worked out in the gym at La Manga.

Gerrard has a history of back-related problems and had begun to feel soreness in his left thigh muscle over the past few days.

However, he remains confident he will be able to train fully on Tuesday.

But team captain Beckham, Seaman and Scholes all played a full part in the session.

Beckham came off towards the end of Sunday's work-out with a sore knee that had been niggling him for a week.

Battle

Goalkeeper Seaman had a muscle problem in his shoulder and midfielder Scholes had a sore thigh.

All three are now expected to be available for selection for Wednesday's game.

Greek defender Nikos Dabizas, meanwhile, has warned Beckham and Co they are in for a battle.

Dabizas, who plays his club football in the English Premiership with Newcastle, said: "he mentality of the Greek players is that they raise themselves for the big games.

"Against strong teams we concentrate more. We will be aggressive. England cannot come to Athens thinking they will have an easy game."

Greek hopes of World Cup qualification were boosted by their win over Albania at the weekend.

"It has put new life into us," said Dabizas. "Now we have the chance to go ahead of England in the group, we will go after them."