I’d pick Rooney just for final, says Sven
Sven-Goran Eriksson admits he would name Wayne Rooney in his World Cup squad even if he might only be fit for the final.
Eriksson is praying for good news when the England doctor reports on Rooney’s broken foot tomorrow.
The England boss has been told there is more than one fracture in the foot but dare not give up on the 20-year-old Manchester United striker.
“I don’t want to hear the words ‘definitely out’,” said Eriksson. “I want to wait as late as possible.”
“If we think he can make part of the World Cup he will be in. Why shouldn’t he?”
Asked if he would select Rooney if his only chance was to be ready for the final on July 9, Eriksson said: “Yes. And why? To win the final.
“We are talking about Wayne Rooney. You don’t want to rule him out until it’s 100% sure.
“Some other players are not that important, so you have to take it case by case.
“I think every England fan will agree with me when I say I don’t want to rule out Wayne Rooney.”
Rooney picked up the fans’ player of the year award at United’s inaugural awards dinner tonight, with Ryan Giggs getting the vote for players’ player of the year.
