England's medical team remains confident that Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney can play a part in the World Cup.
Boss Sven Goran Eriksson was adamant he would take the striker to their pre-World Cup training camp in Portugal on May 15.
Leif Sward, head of England's medical team, thought Rooney would be running in a fortnight and ready for the group games. England's fitness coach Ivan Carminati had also been confident.
He said: "Sven wants Rooney for the pre-World Cup fitness camp.
"There he can start to walk and then run on the foot when the time is right.
"And we believe Wayne can play for England in the first knockout match."
Boss Sven Goran Eriksson was adamant he would take the striker to their pre-World Cup training camp in Portugal on May 15.
Leif Sward, head of England's medical team, thought Rooney would be running in a fortnight and ready for the group games. England's fitness coach Ivan Carminati had also been confident.
He said: "Sven wants Rooney for the pre-World Cup fitness camp.
"There he can start to walk and then run on the foot when the time is right.
"And we believe Wayne can play for England in the first knockout match."
