Rio Ferdinand and Gary Neville remain major doubts for England's World Cup second round clash against Ecuador on Sunday after the pair were unable to train with the rest of the squad on Friday.

Ferdinand picked up a groin injury during the 2-2 draw against Sweden on Tuesday, while Neville missed that game and the earlier clash with Trinidad & Tobago because of a calf problem.

A scan on Ferdinand's groin on Wednesday revealed no serious damage but the central defender was only able to undertake light work during Friday's training session.

Right-back Neville has been given the go ahead to resume fitness training, but it is believed he will not be ready to participate against Ecuador in Stuttgart.

Should both players be ruled out it would leave Sven-Goran Eriksson with a shortage of defenders.

Centre-back Jamie Carragher has been deputising for Neville, leaving Sol Campbell as the only available cover for Ferdinand.