Vassell: I'm fit

Darius Vassell today declared himself fit for Euro 2004.

The Aston Villa striker's hamstring injury forced England coach Sven-Goran Eriksson to call up Tottenham's Jermain Defoe as cover.

But Vassell came through a fitness session today and now expects to join in full training as they build up for next month's finals in Portugal.

He said: "I will be available for the finals. I'm fine, 100 per cent. I always knew I would be okay."

Vassell had a word of comfort for Defoe and said: "We get on well and we've been hanging out together. Even if he doesn't make the squad it's great experience for him."