The news no England supporter wants to hear: Rooney suffers cruciate knee injury.

It would be a huge blow for the Three Lions ahead of tomorrow's vital World Cup match against Uruguay, but fortunately for fans it is the Manchester United star's canine namesake who has been sidelined.

Ten-year-old Staffordshire bull terrier Rooney was chasing a ball in a field when he suffered the devastating injury.

He is being treated by vets at the PDSA's Hull hospital but his knee will not be operated on because of his age.

PDSA head nurse Helen Darnell said: "It's sad for poor old Rooney but it's too risky to make him go under the surgeon's knife.

"We have to do what's best for him and with lots of love and TLC he'll still be a fit, active, much-loved family dog. We'll take it one day at a time and give him 100% care to get Rooney back to the best levels of fitness he can achieve."

His owner, Richard Smith, 42, from Hull, said: "We've had Rooney since he was a puppy and we love him to bits. Obviously he's named after the footballer as our eldest son Christopher is a huge Manchester United fan.

"Our Rooney is like a baby and he's as daft as a brush. We'll all be cheering England on tomorrow and Rooney will also be watching it with us."