Tottenham's Sol Campbell looks increasingly likely to be left out of England's opening Euro 2000 match. Coach Kevin keegan looks set to select the Arsenal pair of Tony Adams and Martin Keown at the heart of the defence instead.

The squad had today off but will report back to their Buckinghamshire HQ tomorrow as the preparation for the tournament begins in earnest and there is a growing belief that Campbell could miss out as Keegan goes for a four-man defence against the Portuguese in Eindhoven in a week's time.

Campbell has played in all three of England's warm-up matches but has not looked at his best. His power and stamina are not in question but lapses in concentration, evident in recent matches, concern Keegan.

The fitness of Adams remains another debating point just five days before the tournament begins but he is expected to be picked.

The experienced Arsenal defender has featured in only one of Engand's three warm-up matches although he was suffering from a stomach upset in Malta.

The 33-year-old defender has already missed several training sessions over the past couple of weeks, giving rise to suggestions that he is suffering pain from a long-standing back problem.

However, Keegan needs Adams' influence in the team and is content for the defender to follow his own training schedule.

England captain Alan Shearer was the only casualty after Saturday's match against Malta. He has a knee injury but looks certain to be fit for next Monday's match against Portugal.

The Newcastle star traditionally peaks for the big tournaments but his form and sportsmanship came under fire from two of Malta's defenders today.

Darren Debono accused Shearer of breaking his nose while Brian Said was critical of the striker's form and poor mobility.

Shearer, however, defended himself against Debono's accusation that he deliberately elbowed him in the face.

'I think I did catch him,' said Shearer. 'but there was certainly no intent there. We had both gone up for the ball and if you look at the television replays, we are both concentrating on the ball. I've managed to win it and with my momentum, I've caught him.'

Said, meanwhile, believes Shearer gave him an easy ride. 'I was surprised how static Shearer was,' he said. 'I thought he was going to give me a big problem. I was surprised how easy he was to deal with.'