Monday, May 01, 2006

England ready to gamble with Man Utd's Rooney


England boss Sven Goran Eriksson says he's prepared to gamble with injured Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney.
"Wayne is a world-class player and we will give him every chance to play in the World Cup; with such a huge talent you have to do that," Eriksson said.

He insisted England were "one of four or five teams who can win the World Cup and this will not change that".
Eriksson added that he had had "very encouraging news" about Michael Owen, who is recovering from a foot injury.
Eriksson said on Sunday: "I have spoken to both Wayne and Michael today and the news I have received from the doctor about Michael is very encouraging.
"As with Wayne, we will know more in the next few days."
Rooney was injured in a tackle with Chelsea defender Paolo Ferreira towards the end of Manchester United's 3-0 defeat, with which Chelsea clinched their second consecutive Premiership title.
Rooney is seen as an integral part of England's bid to win the World Cup in Germany.
He broke a bone in the same foot during England's quarter-final defeat by Portugal in Euro 2004.
His absence was seen as a major factor in England's failure to progress to the semi-finals.
But Eriksson said: "While losing a top quality player like Wayne for the tournament would obviously be a concern, I strongly believe we have many world-class players in the squad.
"I understand the injury news is a blow to every England fan but it is vital that we all remain positive so we can achieve success in Germany."
Eriksson said he would "continue to speak to the medical staff at Manchester United, who have been very helpful".