 England's bid for World Cup glory this summer, 40 years after their unique triumph, was severely hit when the Manchester United star broke a metatarsal bone in his foot a few weeks ago.
It was thought the 20-year-old Rooney, who is considered England's most lethal front man, would miss most of their group matches.
However according to The Sun on Saturday, Rooney's rapid progress in recent weeks has astounded the England camp so much that they feel he could make an appearance in their opener on June 10.
The Sun quoted an unnamed England source as saying: "It is pretty well known in the camp Wayne is way ahead of schedule - but why tell the opposition?"
Rooney is set to have another scan on his injured right foot on Thursday, the result of which should confirm whether or not how fit he is to play.
In the meantime England manager Sven-Goran Eriksson will rely on Liverpool striker Peter Crouch and Newcastle's Michael Owen in the first group matches.
Arsenal youngster Theo Walcott was also named in the squad despite having yet to play a match in the Premiership.
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Producer: Lu Xiaohong 
