England Poised To Wait On Rooney

Striker Wayne Rooney is unlikely to make his comeback for England in Thursday's World Cup game with Trinidad and Tobago, according to reports.

It is understood that the medical experts who said Rooney's foot bone had healed will join England on Friday - so will not reassess him before the game.

They are thought to have warned the 20-year-old he risks a secondary injury if he returns before he is match fit.

Coach Sven-Goran Eriksson is unlikely to risk playing him without clearance.

England know that victory over Trinidad and Tobago in Nuremberg will guarantee their place in the second round of the tournament.

Rooney's club, Manchester United, made a statement after Rooney was passed fit saying he would not be able to play until after the group stages of the World Cup.

It appeared that Eriksson refused to accept this agreement, promising instead to bring the independent medical experts to Germany to give Rooney the once-over before he played.

That would seem to suggest that Rooney will not play at least until the final Group B game against Sweden on 20 June.

Rooney has been training hard and is expected to play a full part in Tuesday's session.

However, he has not played since breaking his foot against Chelsea on 29 April.

BBC Five Live Sport World Cup correspondent Jonathan Legard said Rooney's eagerness to play was clear to all the England players.

"Rooney is difficult to hold back, according to Peter Crouch. He wants to play all the time," said Legard.

"It's how Sven-Goran Eriksson handles this driven mentality - which is very different to Michael Owen - which will decide England's World Cup prospects.

"Owen needs matches, Rooney needs matches and England need both players."