Beckham did not kick a ball during the session today but neither did anyone else. Mr Newman said: "It's a question of keeping their limbs moving rather than anything else.
"They would normally be on holiday at this stage so it's important not to overwork people."
Newman added that Beckham's exercises today were more of "a continuation of a return to fitness rather than anything else."
With temperatures as high as 38C in the shade, the training session at the Dubai Police Officers' Club stadium lasted for just 45 minutes. "Sven said to me it was too hot," said the officer in charge of the club, Brigadier Mohammad Hussain Ali.
Newman added: "The heat factor will just reduce what they do."
The lavish reception given to the players - who were accompanied by three of their sons who have come to Dubai with the team - gave today's workout the flavour of a royal visit as much as a training session.
The team was greeted by young children and given flowers and then serenaded by the white-jacketed Dubai Police Pipe Band, who played a selection of Arabic and Scottish music.
Eriksson - who gave the Brigadier an FA tie, pen and watch and an England pendant - kept a watchful eye on the session as the squad went through their exercises and ran up and down the pitch and Beckham did separate exercises with physiotherapist Alan Smith.
Sol Campbell and Robbie Fowler were missing with minor injuries. Further training sessions - also due to last around three-quarters of an hour - are scheduled for tomorrow and Friday.
Meanwhile, Arsenal defender Martin Keown feels the next few 'bonding' days here, followed by the serious preparation in South Korea and Japan, could help give England a big advantage.
"I believe it's the team which believes in itself the most which will go through," he said. "I am certain we have that sort of collective spirit."
Keown puts great store on the preparation period and said: "It's like building blocks. When you go away as a squad, you have to gel. We eat and drink together - you become closer and it all comes together.
"I suppose I'm a senior member of the squad now and I'll be there if anyone needs me. You can think about things too much, though. Everyone has to take on responsibility."
Keown concedes, however, that the result of that opening match against the Swedes is vital, which is why he has been studying fellow Highbury hero Freddie Ljungberg in his international role particularly closely.
"I've had a little look at Freddie playing for Sweden," Keown said. "He tends to play more of a free role for them.
"He's been unstoppable for the last six weeks of the season and he's undoubtedly one of the best players ever to come out of Sweden.
"But we know what Freddie can do, he's an obvious player for them. What we have to do over the next couple of weeks is have a look at the rest."
Keown still believes that, despite the distressing crop of injuries, England possess a squad strong enough and good enough to cope with anything.
"Sweden have Freddie but England have some Arsenal players as well. When you add those from Manchester United and Liverpool, you have a team of winners."
