England's hope as Dyer flies to Dubai

Kieron Dyer's has been summoned to Dubai by Sven Goran Eriksson to meet up with England's squad at their World Cup training camp after the Swede received encouraging reports about the Newcastle midfielder's recovery from his knee injury.

Dyer, who was told he needed a "miracle" recovery to make the tournament after he was injured at Southampton last weekend, is said to have made substantial progress over the past few days. He has not been assured of his World Cup place, but Eriksson has given him the chance to prove his fitness. The deadline for submitting final squads is next Tuesday.

Dyer spoke to Eriksson on the phone yesterday after England's coach heard a positive update from the Newcastle medical staff. The Swede was said to be buoyed by the development after the disappointment of losing Steven Gerrard and Gary Neville from the squad.

Dyer will travel with the Football Association chief executive, Adam Crozier, and other FA figures, and will then travel with the rest of the players to Korea on Saturday. He will be put through his paces over the next three days, while Trevor Sinclair remains with the squad on standby.

Eriksson said: "This is very positive news. It seems that he can start running tomorrow and it's important that in the next few days, our medical staff get the chance to assess him in detail and see if he can prove his fitness."

However, on the FA's website, www.theFA.com, Eriksson insisted: "The important thing for any player at a World Cup is to be 100 per cent fit."