Eriksson positive over injuries

Michael Owen is on course to be fit for the World Cup

England coach Sven-Goran Eriksson is confident four key players will recover from injury in time for the World Cup.

Michael Owen, Sol Campbell, Ashley Cole and Ledley King have been sidelined, but Eriksson is happy with the progress they are making with their injuries.

Arsenal duo Cole and Campbell, plus Newcastle's Owen, will play before the end of the season.

Eriksson hinted Spurs defender King is the biggest doubt, but is refusing to rule him out of the finals.

Defender Cole had played just once in six months before a reserve team outing this week, but Eriksson is relieved to see him on the mend.

The Swede added: "Ashley Cole played during this week in a reserve game which Tord Grip and I went to see and he will be OK, I am sure of that.

"I wanted to see him play because I don't know when he is going to play again next. He looks fit and I think he took it easy in the first game.

If I had not seen any of them play in the last four or five months it would be very difficult for me to pick them Sven-Goran Eriksson

"He's a quick healer and getting in form very quickly so I'm very confident for him."

Owen, who broke his foot at Spurs on New Year's Eve, is close to a comeback after being named in the Newcastle squad to face West Bromwich Albion.

The forward was not named in the side or on the bench for the Magpies but appears on course for some first-team action this season.

Campbell is now back in Arsenal first-team contention after ankle and toe injuries, although a broken nose has temporarily set him back.

He added: "Of course we want to try as hard as we can to take Michael Owen with us to the World Cup. He's our best goalscorer without any doubt.

"I spoke to Sol during this week as well and he seems fit."

King is now out for the rest of the season with a broken foot sustained against Everton.

He is the most doubtful of the quartet for the tournament in Germany but Eriksson remains optimistic.

Eriksson added: "I don't think anyone is quite sure yet if he will available or not. It's a stress fracture but it's a good one the doctors tell me.

"I had a meeting with our doctor so we have to wait and see what's happening."