The Manchester United star has impressed in training after returning from injury and is now set to make an appearance from the substitutes bench against the 'Soca Warriors' in Nuremberg.

The 20-year-old's absence was keenly felt in England's drab 1-0 victory over Paraguay on Saturday, where chants of 'Rooney, Rooney' echoed around Frankfurt's Waldstadion towards the end of a lacklustre match.

Eriksson was cautious about the prospect of a swift return for Rooney.

"We have to decide on Rooney day by day, to be honest," Eriksson said after the Paraguay victory. "I'm very optimistic, always. I will change something in the team if we have some problems."

Results of a scan last week showed that the fracture in Rooney's right foot had healed. England's coaches say the only issue now preventing the player's return is his match fitness.

Any appearance by Rooney during the group stages will infuriate Sir Alex Ferguson, who believes Eriksson has gone back on an agreement to wait until the second round before using the player.

But Eriksson has made it clear that he will not bow to pressure from United over the use of their star player.

Rooney's chance could come sooner than expected after Theo Walcott picked up a minor injury during a post-match five-a-side on Saturday that left the teenager needing strapping to a sore calf.

Ironically, Walcott picked up the knock courtesy of a clattering tackle by Rooney. "Theo has a slight knock and it has been strapped up for compression purposes," the FA confirmed.

"It's precautionary and after a day off on Monday he will take part in our next training session on Tuesday."

Walcott's knock in theory leaves England with only one fully fit striker, Peter Crouch, following Eriksson's decision to include only four forwards in his 23-man squad for Germany.

Page:

1

2