England had a triple injury scare today ahead of Friday's World Cup quarter-final with Brazil.

Michael Owen, Paul Scholes and Darius Vassell all sat out training this morning.

Owen was having intensive treatment on the groin injury suffered in Saturday's 3-0 win over Denmark which forced him to be substituted at half-time.

The Liverpool striker cancelled a press conference today so he could concentrate fully on regaining his fitness.

Owen and England coach Sven-Goran Eriksson have maintained an upbeat approach to the injury and remained confident the player will be ready to face the Brazilians.

But, just in case he loses the battle, there is also a concern over Vassell who was absent because of a back problem, although he did train on Sunday.

Scholes was the third member of the 23-strong squad not to train because of a foot injury, although it was not thought to be serious.

There is better news on Owen Hargreaves, who is set to train tomorrow.

England assistant Tord Grip said: "Michael and Paul Scholes are both having treatment at the moment.

"I hope they will be fit by Friday. Hargreaves looked good and I think he's available. He will join us in training tomorrow and did a lot today so he could be okay for Friday."

Skipper David Beckham insists England will not be overawed by Brazil in Shizuoka.

Beckham and several of his team-mates watched the Brazilians earn a hard-fought 2-0 victory over Belgium in a second phase encounter in Kobe yesterday.

The England skipper is relishing the opportunity to play against the likes of Rivaldo, Ronaldo and Roberto Carlos.

Beckham said: "It will be nice to play Brazil as you always want to put yourself up against the best players and the best teams.

"When you first see these players playing in the World Cup finals or on television, then you are in awe of them.

"But it has helped that players at Manchester United and players in our squad at other teams have faced some of their players in Europe."