Meanwhile Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard said he would be prepared to move up a notch from midfield to help plug the gap left by Rooney if so required by Eriksson.

Gerrard has been deployed in an advanced role for his club with mixed results this season, but feels it is a tactic that could prove useful.

"We did it a lot against Chelsea because we always wanted a man against Claude Makelele, who starts a lot of their attacks," Gerrard told the Daily Telegraph.

"When I first played there I must admit it was a bit strange to receiving the ball so high up the pitch with my back to goal, having top defenders like John Terry and (Ricardo) Carvalho right behind.

"But I like to think that I'm at a stage in my career where I can learn quite quickly and adapt to certain situations."

Despite the apparent good news on Rooney's rapid recovery, Gerrad admitted the player himself is still taking it one day at a time.

"He (Rooney) thinks he's got a chance of playing some part," said Gerrard.

"He told me that he doesn't want to target one particular game in case he doesn't make it, but he's really hopeful that he's going to be part of it.

"Sven's got to make a big decision on him but I'm just glad Wayne hasn't been ruled out completely."

More World Cup News:

v World Cup Fashions 2006-05-20

v Zidane Says France Must Recover Team Spirit 2006-05-20