Rooney will be in the first 11 players on the pitch in the game against Sweden, Sven-Goran Eriksson said.

“The medical people say he can play more than 45 minutes so if that is the case then it is better he starts than he comes on,” Eriksson told ITV Sport on Sunday.

“I’m very happy and he’s very happy, and it’s very good for England.”

Eriksson was pleased with Rooney’s display against the Soca Warriors in Nuremberg, the youngster delivering several probing passes and clearly hungry to make an impact.

“We saw when he came on that maybe he’s not 100 per cent but he kept the ball up there and did some clever movements and passes,” said the Swede.

Rooney’s return means Crouch will almost certainly be on the bench, his usual role for England when the Manchester United forward is fit.

Owen, who has struggled in the absence of Rooney’s playmaking support, should partner him up front.

The 26-year-old Owen has yet to play an hour in either group win while Rooney is not expected to last a full 90 minutes in only his second game since breaking a metatarsal on 29 April.

England have already qualified for the second round where they will meet hosts Germany or Ecuador.

Drawing with Sweden, a side they have not beaten for 38 years, will ensure England top the group.

Source: WCoffsite