Sven tried to call off Reebok clash

However, the overloaded fixture programme foiled his attempt and he has therefore been left to watch and wait before knowing whether his entire squad will be able to join up tomorrow.

With Danny Murphy's call-up last night taking Liverpool's England contingent to seven, Eriksson was keeping his fingers crossed that no new injury worries will emerge at the Reebok.

Concerns

Those seven all have a chance of being involved in tonight's Premiership game at some time, with Steven Gerrard almost certain to start to improve his match fitness.

There is already a concern over David Beckham, who hobbled out of the action in immense pain yesterday during Manchester United's 1-1 draw at Villa Park.

However, Beckham will at least join up with the squad for his groin problem to be assessed by the national team's medical staff.

United boss Sir Alex Ferguson insisted: "He'll be all right. We had to see if he could carry on but he should be okay."

One United player already ruled out through injury is Nicky Butt, with Martin Keown also omitted from the squad for the same reason.

That means there are more Liverpool than United players in the squad, with the two clubs making up more than half the party due to travel to Munich.

Little wonder, therefore, that Eriksson wanted to postpone tonight's game, especially with the absence of Butt having placed even greater importance on the fitness of Gerrard.

Eriksson has stressed the importance of having key players fit for a match which England must win to keep alive any realistic hopes of winning the group.

"We're at a level where it's very equal between countries like England, Germany, France, Holland and so on. But I think we can compete with anyone," he said.

"It depends a lot on your attitude, whether you are in good shape, whether you have got all your players available and so on. But if you do have that, you can compete with anyone and I think we can do that."

If Gerrard misses out, then the contenders to step into central midfield are all relatively inexperienced - Frank Lampard, Michael Carrick, Owen Hargreaves and Jamie Carragher - unless Beckham moves inside.

Up front, meanwhile, Eriksson is counting upon Owen being fit given that he is, by a long way, the most in-form striker available to the England coach.

Although Alan Smith is ruled out by an ankle injury, Eriksson decided against calling up either Teddy Sheringham or Kevin Phillips and will rely on Owen, Fowler, Heskey and Andy Cole for the two qualifiers.

With Sol Campbell, Rio Ferdinand, David Seaman and Steve McManaman all returning, meanwhile, Chris Powell and Ugo Ehiogu lost their places in the squad.

Eriksson added: "We are faced with two very difficult games but I am positive and feel this is a very strong squad.

"The Germany game is, of course, an extremely tough test but we're looking forward to the challenge.

"It may be a hard task but it is certainly not an impossible one. We will not be changing our style because we are strong and have confidence in our own ability.

"Everyone knows how important this match is for England but we must not forget the Germans will also be under pressure to perform well at home."

Meanwhile Murphy admitted his first England call-up had taken him by surprise.

"It came as a shock and it was our manager Gerard Houllier who rang me to tell me I was in," he said.

"I must admit it is unexpected because it's so early in the season and if it was going to happen I felt it may have come along once the England manager had been given the chance to see everyone's form.

"I've had calls from a lot of the Liverpool lads saying well done' and in particular Steven Gerrard, who is my club room-mate. Maybe we will end up as room-mates for England now.

"What is good is that there are so many Liverpool players in the squad and they will be able to help me settle in."