Steven Gerrard assures “100% fitness” to England camp over injury scare

England midfielder Steven Gerrard insists that he is “100%” fit for the World Cup campaign, and to prove it he will make an appearance in the second half of the friendly against Japan today. 
 
Gerrard gave manager Fabio Capello a scare after he limped out of a practice match at their Austria camp with a slight calf niggle.

The 30-year-old had received treatment for 20 minutes on his right calf after taking part for only 30 seconds before signalling that he could not go on.

“Stevie felt a slight pull in his calf on Thursday and decided the best course of action was to just sit out both sessions. There was no point taking any risks and Fabio was absolutely comfortable with that,” The News of The World quoted an England source, as saying.
 
“On Friday, Stevie took part in training, but opted to have a massage on his calf rather than take part in a shooting session. Again, the England staff thought that was the best course of action,” the source added.
 
A thorough examination by the England medical staff also revealed that there is absolutely no problem.

“He’s had another examination and there is no sign of any problem and he will play a part against Japan,” the source said.

A serious injury would have been a heartbreak for Capello, as he is already worried about his other midfielder Gareth Barry, who has not kicked a ball since leaving the pitch with an ankle injury during a Manchester City-Tottenham game in early May.

According to reports, Barry may miss out on the final 23-man squad if his injury rules him out beyond England’s World Cup curtain-raiser against the USA.