Beckham misses training for family reasons

England captain David Beckham missed Tuesday's opening training session for the World Cup qualifier against Austria after one of his children was taken for hospital tests in Spain.

Coach Sven-Goran Eriksson has given Beckham special permission not to join up with the squad until Wednesday.

Asked if the midfielder would be able to fully concentrate on the qualifier, Eriksson told a news conference: "I think he will be okay and hopefully he won't have any worries about what's happening in Spain.

"He's back tomorrow afternoon so Thursday he'll

be on the pitch again."

Striker Michael Owen, sidelined for Newcastle United's draw with Portsmouth on Saturday due to a dead leg, also missed Tuesday's session at Manchester United's training complex.

Owen is scheduled to work with England physio Gary Lewin on Wednesday and resume full training on Thursday, an FA spokesman said.

England need to win Saturday's game against Austria at Old Trafford and their final qualifier against Group Six leaders Poland at the same venue the following Wednesday to finish top of the table.

Source: REUTERS
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