Top > Sport > 2006 > May > 2006-05-10

Rooney to Play at World Cup After All

England fans were relieved to learn that their top player, Wayne Rooney, will be participating at the upcoming World Cup in Germany. Sven-Goran Eriksson has named Rooney as part of his provisional 23-man squad for FIFA 2006 WORLD CUP. The 20-year-old player broke a metatarsal bone on April 29 and his role in the coming tournament was vague.

He is not expected to be fit again until the second week of June at the earliest, with England due to open their campaign against Paraguay on 10 June. Fellow striker Michael Owen is also in the selection after just recovering from a similar problem.

There was also a shock call-up for 17-year-old Theo Walcott, who has yet to play in the Premiership for Arsenal FC. "I thought a lot about it during the last month," said Eriksson. "It is a gamble, of course it is a gamble, I can`t deny that. But it is a nice one. He is a great talent, the pace he has is incredible. Michael Owen will be fully fit to train 100 per cent with us. It is just for us to wait and hope and see with Wayne Rooney."