England coach Sven-Goran Eriksson hinted on Sunday that Wayne Rooney will start his side's World Cup game against Sweden in Frankfurt on Tuesday.

Rooney is poised to partner Michael Owen on the front line, with Peter Crouch, who is one booking away from a ban, on the bench.

Rooney played 33 minutes as a substitute against Trinidad and Tobago and showed no ill-effects after his broken metatarsal injury.

"The medical people say he can play more than 45 minutes, so if that is the case it is better he starts the game," said England coach Sven-Goran Eriksson.

England's Swedish coach is almost certain to draft Owen Hargreaves into a holding midfield role on Tuesday, with Steven Gerrard also rested.

Gerrard would be suspended for the last 16 clash with either Ecuador or Germany if he was booked, and Eriksson is keen to ensure he is available for the knockout rounds.

Manchester United 20-year-old Rooney's return to the starting line-up will lift England after two below-par performances.

Source: Xinhua