Sheringham and Owen stretch in training.

By John Curtis, PA Sport, Shizuoka

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England striker Michael Owen was back in training for the final session ahead of Friday's World Cup quarter-final with Brazil.

The Liverpool star has been sidelined since picking up a groin injury in the early stages of Saturday's 3-0 victory over Denmark in the second phase.

Owen has been undergoing intensive treatment with the England medical team and his pace will be a key factor if England are to reach the last four.

The signs were more encouraging as he joined in with the rest of the 23-man squad.

Owen was seen to jog lightly and take part in a one-touch session with his team-mates.

It remains to be seen just how fit he will be against the Brazilians but his presence in the side will be a massive psychological boost for Sven-Goran Eriksson who earlier in the week branded him "the killer in the penalty area".

It was positive news all round for England as Paul Scholes and Darius Vassell were also back in training.

Scholes has been troubled by a minor foot problem sustained against the Danes while Vassell has been handicapped by a slight back problem.

The other encouraging news for England was that the torrential rain in which their session took place is likely to continue for the next 24 hours according to local forecasts.

One big fear for Eriksson has been the heat factor with the game taking place on Friday afternoon.

However, the temperature on Thursday was warm but bearable compared to the heat and humidity against Nigeria eight days ago in Osaka.