David Beckham has been warned by the Football Association not to repeat the gesture he made to fans following England's 3-2 defeat by Portugal in their opening match of the European Championships on Monday.

As England learned yesterday that Germany skipper Oliver Bierhoff is out of Saturday's crucial clash, it is understood that an FA official twice had words with Beckham.

Although it was a friendly 'don't do it again' admonishment, sources within the England camp were at pains to point out that, while the FA recognises there was provocation, Beckham knows his behaviour was unacceptable and was in no way condoned.

He was abused and jeered by a section of England fans, and vile remarks were directed at his wife Victoria, who watched match from the stand.

Manchester United star Beck-ham responded at the final whistle by making a one-fingered gesture to a group of about 10 supporters who so incensed Kevin Keegan that the England manager remarked it was the worst incident of its kind he had seen or heard.

By yesterday, though, Beck-ham had shrugged it off and joined in a lively England training session in which it was noticeable that team spirit had not been affected by the 3-2 defeat by Portugal.

In fact, England did not have a post-match meeting until yesterday morning, and Arsenal defender Martin Keown said: 'Talk of a revolt is just not true. The manager invites a feedback from the players, and if someone has something to say he can voice his opinion.

'After the match on Monday was not the time nor the place to dissect the game and, anyway, the manager wouldn't allow it.'

Dennis Wise added: 'It was a brainstorming session, and the general reaction was that it should have been up to us to sort out what happened, because it's very difficult for Kevin Keegan to do anything on the bench when the game is going on.

'He likes you to say what you feel. He wanted to hear how we went a little wrong, and what he could have done about it.'

Tony Adams, calf strain, and Steve McManaman, knee, are not so badly injured as first feared, and both could be fit if England go beyond the group stages. Steven Gerrard, who looks like starting against Germany, missed training as a precaution, while Gary Neville is suffering from blisters.

There was heartening new for Keegan and his squad yesterday when it was confirmed that Germany striker Oliver Bierhoff will miss Saturday's clash in Charleroi.

The German captain tore a muscle in his right leg in training yesterday and has been ordered to take 10 days' rest.

Coach Erich Ribbeck is already trying to damp down rebellion within his side over his continued inclusion of Lothar Matthaus. The last thing he needed was to lose his influential captain for the crucial encounter with England after the Germans managed only to collect a point from their opening game with Romania.