Rooney on mend but misses start

Striker Wayne Rooney will miss the start of England's World Cup campaign with a broken right foot but could be back in training in under three weeks.

His club Manchester United said in a statement yesterday that a scan showed the metatarsal break was healing as expected and that a further scan on June 14 could clear the way for the 20-year-old to start training.

England open their Group B campaign on June 10 against Paraguay and finish against Sweden on June 20. If they qualify, their second round match would be on June 24 or 25.

The prospect of Rooney in training was welcomed by England coach Sven-Goran Eriksson and the Football Association, who said the striker would fly to Germany with the rest of the squad.

"Rooney will continue his rehabilitation with Manchester United's medical staff and will then fly to Germany with the England party on June 5," the FA said.

"He will return to Manchester on June 14 for a second scan."

Eriksson said: "This is very encouraging news. I'm looking forward to Wayne joining up with the rest of the squad on Sunday. The fact that he is flying out to Germany with us will give everyone a huge lift."

Under FIFA rules, the Swede can replace Rooney in the squad up to 24 hours before the Paraguay game.

Eriksson was keen to deny speculation that Rooney's recovery had caused 'club vs country' friction with United, whose manager Alex Ferguson has been cautious about the striker's chances.

Rumours increased after the abrupt departure this week of team doctor Mike Stone from United.

Eriksson said: "I spoke to Sir Alex Ferguson today and we had a really good conversation. Despite all the speculation, there has been a very positive dialogue with Manchester United all along."

Ferguson was more wary in his reaction to the scan on a player who has cost the club nearly £30 million and who is fundamental to their future.

"Wayne has trained incredibly hard," Ferguson said yesterday.

"We have continually supported Wayne with his fight to get to the World Cup but it is obvious that we have to be certain that he is physically and mentally fit."

Inspirational for England, Rooney got injured in a Premier League match for United at Chelsea on April 29.

He has been vital to England's attack since becoming the youngest player to play for his country as a 17-year-old in 2003 and going on to become its youngest scorer later that year in a Euro 2004 qualifier.

Eriksson's first alternative would be the towering Peter Crouch, who had a run-out as Michael Owen's strike partner in England B's 2-1 defeat by Belarus on Thursday.