Upson recovering at World Cup

He was the only player not to take part in the session at the squad’s Bafokeng headquarters, but was said to be on the road to recovery and was expected to rejoin the 23-strong party for training on Monday.

“Matthew is feeling a lot better. He is working in the gym today and will train tomorrow,” a Football Association spokesman said.

Tottenham defender Ledley King was also participating with his team-mates after only undergoing gym work yesterday.

The Tottenham defender could have a greater role to play in the squad with Rio Ferdinand ruled out of the tournament with knee ligament damage.

Former Liverpool manager Gerard Houllier meanhile says he believes Steven Gerrard is the perfect choice to take over from Ferdinand as England captain in South Africa,

Houllier said: “I am pleased for Stevie. It is a good reward to be captain of England. He must be absolutely over the moon.

“He is a winner and he will give an urge to drive them on all the time. He never gives up. He leads by example, giving a lot of mental and physical energy to himself and the team.

“His game should be even better. He likes responsibility. He likes when people trust him. That is when he can surpass himself and deliver even more.”

Houllier also believes England can reach the semi-finals at least in South Africa, despite the setback of losing Ferdinand to a knee ligament injury.

“England were extremely frustrated at not being in Switzerland and Austria in the European Championships two years ago,” Houllier told BBC Radio 5 Live’s Sportsweek programme.

“This time they look to have a great desire to deliver and with players of the quality of Wayne Rooney and Frank Lampard they can do extremely well and they can even finish in the top four.”