Rooney on Course for Germany

Wayne Rooney could play some part in England's last World Cup group match after scan results today suggested the striker could resume full training on June 14. A second scan will be conducted on that date to determine whether to give a definite go-ahead.

Rooney suffered two fractures in the fourth metatarsal of his right foot after falling badly in Manchester United's 3-0 defeat to Chelsea on April 29 and the scan indicated he is on course to complete his recuperation within six weeks of that date.

While the striker will miss the opener against Paraguay on June 10 and is unlikely to feature against Trinidad and Tobago on June 15, he could be available for selection for England final group game, against Sweden on June 20.

"This is very encouraging news," said England manager Sven-Goran Eriksson. "The fact he is flying out to Germany with us will give everyone a huge lift."

A statement on the Manchester United website read: "Wayne's injury is progressing as expected and we now hope to gradually increase his rehabilitation as planned.

"Manchester United's medical department have and will continue to monitor his progress, practising evidence base medicine. The England medical team have been informed of these findings."

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson, meanwhile, praised the 20-year-old's efforts to get fit but sounded a note of caution. "Wayne has trained incredibly hard. We have continually supported Wayne with his fight to get to the World Cup but it is obvious that we have to be certain he is physically and mentally fit."