Campbell ruled out of England qualifier

Sven-Goran Eriksson was today left without his first-choice defensive partnership for England's opening Euro 2004 qualifier against…

Sven-Goran Eriksson was today left without his first-choice defensive partnership for England's opening Euro 2004 qualifier against Slovakia as illness forced Sol Campbell to pull out of squad.

Campbell is suffering from gastroenteritis and has been confined to his bed in a bid to recover in time for next Wednesday's second qualifying game at home to Macedonia.

In Bratislava this Saturday Eriksson will be without both Campbell and Rio Ferdinand, who is undergoing surgery on a knee injury.

England captain David Beckham also missed training today but is still expected to start on Saturday.

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The Manchester United midfielder was holding an ice-pack to his calf when he left Old Trafford on Monday night following the 3-0 win against Everton.

Beckham, who has played down the injury, was still sitting out training today at Bisham Abbey as a precautionary move but is set to be involved again in time to play against Slovakia.

Paul Scholes was at least due to take part in today's session after a scheduled scan on a long-standing ankle niggle yesterday.