Terry given Friday deadline

Hamstring niggle
The Chelsea FC defender, who has a hamstring strain, took part in his first training session on Wednesday since arriving in Portugal, but his work-out at the squad’s training headquarters at Lisbon's Estadio Nacional extended no further than a light jogging stint with physiotherapist Gary Lewin.

Strapping gone
There was encouragement for those supporters who see Terry’s inclusion alongside Sol Campbell as vital to England's hopes of keeping Thierry Henry and David Trezeguet at bay by the absence of the heavy strapping that was in place yesterday around his left thigh.

Terry may be saved
However, the chances are that the opening game will come too soon for Terry and he is likely to be saved for the other fixtures in Group B against Switzerland and Croatia. England coach Sven-Göran Eriksson told the Football Association's website, www.theFA.com: "John has made progress today and will work in the gym this afternoon and tomorrow, then on Friday we will decide. We will see this afternoon and tomorrow how much they can push him."

Tournament fears
Asked about the defender's readiness for Sunday, Eriksson replied: "It's hard to guess but I hope he will be. We have to be careful because this is more than one game and we don't want him to break down for the rest of the tournament."

Carragher likely deputy
Terry remains the squad's only fitness concern as preparations for Sunday's game begin to intensify. If he misses out the likely deputy is Liverpool FC's Jamie Carragher, although Ledley King of Tottenham Hotspur FC is another option.

Good shape
"We have Carragher and we have Ledley King and they are both in very good shape and I'm sure they'll both like to play in the first game," Eriksson added.