Gary Neville is almost certain to return to England's starting line-up for Saturday's World Cup quarter-final against Portugal after recovering from a calf strain.

The injury prevented Neville playing in England's last three matches, but he has trained well this week and is confident he is ready to play in Gelsenkirchen.

"The calf is fully fit and I'm available for selection," said the Manchester United right-back.

"I am certainly more happy than I was a week ago. It has been frustrating for me to be injured during the World Cup, but that can happen to a football player.

"But I am looking forward. I have enjoyed the last two days training and I am ready.

"The manager will make the decision and whatever he decides I would go along with even though I am desperate to play.

"It will ultimately come down to the manager and whether he thinks it is too much of a risk - but it's not a risk.

"I have been injured the last three matches and I have not enjoyed it and I hope I will be involved on Saturday because you don't feel part of it when injured."

Coach Sven-Goran Eriksson is planning to recall Neville, but refused to say whether it would be at the expense of Michael Carrick or Owen Hargreaves.

"I think Gary will play on Saturday, although it's not 100 per cent sure," said Eriksson.

"His experience might be very important in a game like this. If I think it's a risk, he will not play but, as the situation is today, I don't think it's a risk.

"I've made up my mind about how we are going to play but I'm not going to tell you.''