England still clueless on Rooney’s World Cup chances

The next scan on England striker Wayne Rooney’s injured foot has been brought forward by a week to 7 June.

The change, which was announced on Manchester United’s official website, is designed to afford England coach Sven-Goran Eriksson the flexibility to replace the 20-year-old in his 23-man squad should it be shown that his broken metatarsal is not healing quickly enough to enable him to participate in the FIFA World Cup.

Originally, it had been planned that the Manchester United striker would fly out with the England squad on 4 June before returning to Manchester ten days later for the CT scan that will determine whether he will be able to take any part in Germany.

However, following discussions on Monday morning between Eriksson, United manager Sir Alex Ferguson, and England and United’s respective medical teams at the Old Trafford club’s Carrington training complex, it has been decided to change the date to leave open the possibility of England drafting in a replacement prior to the 9 June deadline.

Eriksson said: “It is important the scan will be done before I have to give the list to FIFA on 9 June. We have to take the decision and we want to have the scan as close to that date as possible. I am always very optimistic and still think he will play a part in the World Cup.”

World Cup Betting Odds: Sports Interaction

Brazil 4/1

Germany 15/2

England 15/2

Argentina 9/1

France 10/1

Netherlands 13/1

World Cup Betting Tips: Looking for a longshot? BET on the Dutch team.