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A link to Waynes official web site http://www.waynerooney.com


Julie xx

Dynamo Kiev 2-4 Man Utd: Ronaldo inspires romp

After a lengthy sequence of single-goal wins, Manchester United have
now settled upon a much happier number as they struck four times for
the third game running to virtually seal a place in the Champions
League group stage.

GettyImages
Rio Ferdinand leaps highest to give United the lead, and they were
able to consolidate their lead with three more.

Rio Ferdinand and Wayne Rooney, with his seventh goal in six games for
club and country, gave United a flying start before Cristiano
Ronaldo's double wrapped up a victory far more comfortable than the
scoreline suggests.

Given the abject nature of Dynamo Kiev's defending, it is hard to see
anything other than a United win when the two sides meet again at Old
Trafford in a fortnight, a result that would see Sir Alex Ferguson's
men book a place in the knock-out phase with two games to spare.

Indeed, the only complaint from the Red Devils chief on a night which
saw United complete their biggest European away win in nine years,
must have been that his side conceded twice as Diogo Rincon and Ismael
Bangoura found the net for Dynamo to keep things interesting.

The goals were as much a result of slackness appearing in United's
play during a game that was all to easy for them, the outcome and his
personal contribution providing Rooney with the perfect gift for his
22nd birthday tomorrow.

After losing Paul Scholes to a knee injury sustained in training and
Patrice Evra to a calf strain suffered in the warm-up, the build-up
was hardly smooth for the visitors.

The loss of Scholes in particular will be a concern to Ferguson.

With Owen Hargreaves and Michael Carrick already sidelined, the United
manager will await the results of a scan Scholes will have tomorrow
with bated breath, especially as his side are due to tackle Barclays
Premier League table-toppers Arsenal in the biggest game of the season
so far at the Emirates Stadium on November 3.

Those worries are for another day though because here, in what are
supposed to be the inhospitable climes of Eastern Europe, United were
on easy street.

It became apparent from quite an early stage that Dynamo Kiev -
without a point from their opening two games - were ill equipped to
cope with the Red Devils' attacking threat.

If Ferdinand was given too much room for his ninth-minute header, the
space Rooney and Ronaldo found themselves in when they put their names
on the scoresheet was laughable.

In terms of his barren career, Ferdinand is now on something of a
scoring streak.

Having found the net against Aston Villa on Saturday and also for
England in their win over Russia at Wembley last month, the
#29.1million star's first European goal in 42 attempts for United
means his tally of three equals the best seasonal return of his career.

England team-mate Rooney is far more prolific of course and Dynamo
presumably had heard about his impending birthday given the present
they provided him with as he tapped home Wes Brown's low cross to
maintain his impressive run of form.

Ronaldo was the architect of that effort, breaking from inside his
half. However, as the Portugal winger should have been protecting the
post Rincon's header crept into to hand Dynamo a 33rd-minute lifeline,
Ronaldo was making up for his own error when he nodded home United's
third.

He could probably have controlled Ryan Giggs' cross and rolled it in
with his head such was the non-existent nature of Dynamo's defence.
Instead, he settled for a more conventional finish.

Even with two half-time changes, Dynamo were unconvincing and Anderson
was agonisingly close to netting his first United goal with a shot
which bounced back off a post with Olexandr Shovkovskiy beaten.

Had Dynamo been awarded what appeared a certain penalty when
substitute Artem Milevskiy tumbled under Nemanja Vidic's challenge,
the hosts might have made a game of it.

Instead, Hungarian referee Viktor Kassai ruled in United's favour -
dubiously it seemed on TV replays - and then gave the Red Devils a
spot-kick, after extensive consultation with his assistant, after
Goran Gavrancic had stuck out an elbow to block Tevez's cross.

Rooney, who failed miserably with his hat-trick attempt at Villa Park
on Saturday, handed over responsibility to Ronaldo, who promptly sent
Shovkovskiy the wrong way.

Bangoura wrapped up the scoring 10 minutes from time and while the
departure of a seemingly uninjured Edwin van der Sar raised eyebrows
not long afterwards, United coasted home.

Ferdinand Praises 'Unstoppable' Rooney  Manchester United defender Rio
Ferdinand has praised team-mate Wayne Rooney, claiming that when he is
in form, the striker is unstoppable.


After missing the opening weeks of the Premier League season with a
foot injury, Wayne Rooney has quickly recaptured his explosive form of
last season, a fact highlighted by his explosive display against Aston
Villa at the weekend.

Ahead of United's Champions League tie against Dynamo Kiev on Tuesday,
Ferdinand praised the 21-year-old and the partnership he is
establishing with Carlos Tevez.

Ferdinand told the club's official website: "To me he's a fantastic
footballer and it's great to have him in our team. When he's in form
like that, he's almost unstoppable.

"I think he and Carlos (Tevez) put to bed all the question marks as to
whether they can play together. Their movement was fantastic and I
don't think Villa could live with them."

Ferdinand also shrugged off claims that Rooney's contribution to
England's demise against Russia would affect his future performances.

"The disappointment with England wasn't going to affect his
performance," Ferdinand continued.

"Top players do that - you have disappointments throughout your career
but it's how you respond to those setbacks. He's showed that he's in
good spirits."

Noel signs Man City guitar for Rooney

Tuesday, October 23 2007, 14:51 BST

By Alex Fletcher
Noel signs Man City guitar for Rooney

Noel Gallagher has given Wayne Rooney a guitar in the colours of
Manchester City's football kit.

Rooney's girlfriend Coleen McLoughlin asked Gallagher to sign the
instrument as a present for the Liverpool-born striker.

His love of Manchester City, Rooney's footballing rivals, is well
known, and he reportedly decided to sabotage the gift.

The rocker reportedly wrote on the blue-sprayed guitar: "Happy
Birthday Fatboy."

A source told The Sun: "Noel couldn't believe it. Mancs and Scousers
haven't been the closest of friends - and asking a City fanatic to
sign a guitar for a United player is a red rag to a bull. It was a
gift for Noel - he loves a wind-up."

Wayne Rooney becomes official Ambassador for SOS Children

01/02/2006
FIFA/SOS Ambassador Wayne Rooney

Wayne Rooney, PFA Young Player of the Year 2005 and top England and
Manchester United striker, became an official "FIFA for SOS Children's
Villages" ambassador in October 2005. Wayne also underlined his
support for the FIFA 2006 World Cup charity campaign "6 villages for
2006".

In February 2003 Wayne Rooney became the youngest footballer to play
for England. In August 2004 he became the world's most expensive
teenager when he signed for Manchester United, and his reputation as
one of the world's most exciting young players was further enhanced by
his hugely impressive performances for England at Euro 2004
Championships in Portugal.

Perhaps less well known is his very personal commitment to raising
money for Claire House and Alder Hey Children's Hospital in Liverpool.
Through his ambassadorial role for FIFA/SOS, Wayne hopes to use his
internationally growing reputation to further give some of the most
disadvantaged children around the world a family home in an SOS
Children's Village, where they can grow up with brothers, sisters, an
education and hope for the future.

Wayne Rooney said "I was made up when FIFA for SOS Children's Charity
asked me if I would get involved. The work they do is for kids who
have suffered and have no families to help them. I know how much it
means to have a family that supports you, so I am delighted I can give
my support to these kids."
Wayne Rooney ambassador for SOS Children

FIFA welcomed the appointment of Wayne Rooney as "FIFA for SOS
Children's Villages" ambassador for England. FIFA President Joseph S.
Blatter said of the England player's appointment: "Rooney is one of
the most exciting young talents of our days and it is encouraging to
see that he is committing himself to support the cause of some of the
most vulnerable and needy children around the world."

Wayne joins a list of leading world football stars in accepting this
ambassadorial role. See more information about other FIFA/SOS
Ambassadors here.

Andrew Cates, Chief Executive, SOS Children's Villages UK commented
"We are really delighted that Wayne has become an ambassador for the
campaign. Wayne follows footballing greats from around the world in
recognising the needs of the world's rapidly increasing number of
children who are alone with no one left to care for them. When someone
of Wayne's public stature shows such strong support for our work, we
are confident that England will follow his lead helping children with
nowhere else to turn."

For more details phone Chrissy Davey on 01223 365589 or email
chrissy@....

Relevant Countries: Brazil, Mexico, Nigeria, South Africa, Vietnam.

Rooney and Moyes fell out before the striker left Everton
Wayne Rooney has revealed he fell out with Everton manager David
Moyes before he left the Toffees to join Manchester United in a deal
worth £27m in 2004.
The 20-year-old England striker said the row meant he considered an
offer from Newcastle before moving to United.

"I would have gone almost anywhere just to get away from David
Moyes," Rooney said in his autobiography, which is being serialised
in the Daily Mail.

"To me, he appeared overbearing; just wanting to control people."

He added: "I suppose being young and confident and playing for
England at 17, I wasn't bothered about upsetting him or answering
back."

Rooney claims he had already decided to leave Goodison Park when he
had a training ground confrontation with Moyes and told him: "I don't
want to play for you ever again."

The striker became the youngest Premiership goalscorer when he scored
a blistering last-minute strike to secure a 2-1 win against Arsenal
in October 2002, five days before his 17th birthday.

He went on to score 17 goals in 77 appearances for the Toffees before
securing his move to United in August 2004.

Newcastle made the first offer for Rooney but he says he was only
interested in a move to Old Trafford once it became apparent United
boss Sir Alex Ferguson wanted to sign him.

"If no-one else had come in I would have gone to Newcastle," stated
Rooney.

"But I knew that United was the club I wanted to join."

Rooney is keen for his first taste of World Cup action
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."

By Phil McNulty

Chief football writer in Baden-Baden




Rooney joined in the warm-down after England's win over Paraguay
Striker Wayne Rooney may make a shock World Cup debut for England
against Trinidad and Tobago on Thursday.
England coach Sven-Goran Eriksson has not ruled out the possibility
of Rooney making a return to action in the match.

"I'm very optimistic, always. I'm born like that. We have to decide
that day by day, to be honest," he said.

Rooney, 20, returned to full training last Thursday after a scan
showed his broken metatarsal bone was healed and he is now trying to
gain match fitness.


Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson will be furious if his
striker does make his World Cup debut in Nuremberg.

Ferguson wanted Eriksson to keep Rooney safely on the sidelines until
the knock-out stages of the World Cup but the pair did not agree.


Rooney trained on Sunday, along with the other England players not
heavily involved in Saturday's 1-0 win against Paraguay.

England defender Rio Ferdinand has revealed Rooney's determination to
make an impact on the World Cup.

Ferdinand said: "He's in good spirits. He's doing well and hopefully
he will be able to play a part in a few games. He's looking good in
training."

England's fans gave Rooney a rapturous reception when his face
flashed up on the giant screen, suspended from the roof during the
game against Paraguay.


Rooney then joined the other members of the squad for some work on
the pitch after the final whistle before returning to join his
victorious colleagues in the dressing room.

And Ferdinand revealed his United team-mate was in ebullient mood
after the game.

He said: "I heard the chants. He was desperate to get on the pitch,
it's the exuberance of being a young chap.

"If you ask any of the subs they would have been desperate to come
on.

"The fans know. They love him and he's a great player."


Ferdinand says England team-mate Rooney is desperate to play in
Germany

Eriksson must also decide whether to keep faith with Michael Owen,
after he was taken off in the 55th minute in their opening Group B
win in Frankfurt.

But Ferdinand has no doubts the injury-troubled Newcastle striker
will deliver the goods in Germany.

He said: "Michael's all right. I thought he worked hard.

"He did a lot of running in the channels and I thought he caused
problems for them.

"If he had a bit of luck with the run of the ball he would have had
chances to score a goal but the pitch maybe didn't help him.

"Michael will be fine. He's got nothing to prove when it comes to
these big tournaments."

By Adam Marshall


Sven Goran Eriksson is refusing to get carried away with Wayne
Rooney's return to training, until a scan on Wednesday reveals
whether his broken foot has healed.

The England striker is flying back to Manchester for the final
examinations but was involved in a light work-out in Baden-Baden on
Tuesday, kicking the ball and putting pressure on the troublesome
metatarsal.

Eriksson did not want to speak too much about the Manchester United
star but was faced with the usual barrage of questions about the 20-
year-old at the press conference.

"I think there's been said so much about Rooney, let's wait until
tomorrow afternoon or Thursday morning," pleaded the Swede on Sky
Sports News.

"I think he looks very good. I don't really have any other news about
him. Let's wait as, very soon, we will know what is going to happen
about him.

"He looks okay, very good I would say, but let the surgeons and
specialists have their say tomorrow. He's good and that's it.

"Thursday morning, maybe at the latest, I suppose. I know it's big
news and he's a big football player but let's wait until tomorrow. I
will take a decision after that, of course, we'll see what's going to
happen.

"I think it's totally up to the surgeons, specialists and doctors,"
he stated. "I can't judge it and always said I think he will be
available.

"I always told you he will take part in the World Cup and I still
believe it - very, very strongly. That's it."

Eriksson explained that he has had a chat with Jermain Defoe, who
will need to be sent home if Rooney is given the all-clear to return
to Germany.

"I've had a word with all the stand-by players," he revealed. "I
think Jermain Defoe is happy to be here. Of course, if I have to tell
him to leave, it's not a nice conversation to have with him but he's
been very good and in good shape.

"They've all been extremely professional and come from Barbados and
Dubai. I don't know if their wives are not very happy with me but
they accepted it and were very, very good."

By Adam Marshall


Manchester United defender Gary Neville has dampened the enthusiasm
surrounding Wayne Rooney's return to light training with England.

The experienced right back is taking a cautious line after suffering
a severe setback in his fruitless bid to be fit for the World Cup
finals in Japan and South Korea four years ago.

Although the signs are looking positive for Rooney to play some part
in Germany, Neville is worried that there could be some bad news
around the corner when the striker undergoes a scan in Manchester on
Wednesday.

"It's encouraging in one sense but my experience, in 2002, whilst in
Manchester, recovering and recuperating from my broken foot, I went
to see the specialist and thought I'd be given the go-ahead to start
training," he told Sky Sports News.

"Sometimes it's not what you think.

"We have to wait until tomorrow to see what the experts think. It's
not always what it appears.

"I was jogging prior to my scan in 2002 and was then told I'd have to
have an operation four days later.

"I hope it doesn't happen to Wayne as everyone wants him to take part
in the World Cup.

"Until the surgeons meet tomorrow, then I don't think anyone will
know for sure."

Neville thinks too much expectation is being heaped on his United
team-mate's shoulders.

"He hasn't trained for five or six weeks and we all get a bit carried
away in this country," he explained. "The lad has a broken foot -
leave him be, let him rehabilitate and let him be looked after by the
right people. They'll make the decision along with him.

"It's not important if the journalists or players encourage him."

When asked what Sir Alex Ferguson's reaction would have been to the
pictures of Rooney training, Neville said: "He wouldn't have seen it."

LONDON (AP) -- Wayne Rooney will travel with the England team to the
World Cup. When -- or if -- he plays remains unclear.

The Manchester United striker got the results Friday from a CT scan
on his broken right foot -- a good-news, bad-news medical report for
England fans who have agonized over the injury for a month.

Manchester United said Rooney would have another scan on June 14,
meaning he will definitely miss England's World Cup opener against
Paraguay four days earlier and second game against Trinidad and
Tobago on June 15.

Rooney is also almost certain to miss England's final Group E game
against Sweden on June 20, but could possibly be ready for the
subsequent knockout stages starting June 24-25 -- if the team gets
that far.

Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson, who has seemed at odds with
England coach Sven-Goran Eriksson over Rooney's chance of playing,
said the next scan would be crucial.

"Hopefully, by June 14 the fracture will have healed," Ferguson
said. "If not, it will be impossible. There has to be an improvement.
There has to be a complete recovery."

Eriksson said Rooney will join the England squad on Sunday and travel
with the team to Germany on June 5. He'll return to Manchester for
the June 14 scan.

"This is very encouraging news," said Eriksson, who may not need
Rooney to advance from the relatively weak group. "I'm looking
forward to Wayne joining up with the rest of the squad on Sunday. The
fact that he is flying out to Germany with us will give everyone a
huge lift.

"We're still hoping that the second scan will show further
improvement and that Wayne can play his part in the World Cup."

If England wins in the round of 16, it would advance to the June 30-
July 1 quarterfinals. The semifinals are July 4-5 and the final on
July 9.

Rooney, 20, broke a metatarsal bone in his foot playing for United
against Chelsea on April 29. Since then, reports have suggested the
recovery was going so well that he could play in England's World Cup
opener.

The stocky striker is the team's most explosive scorer and the key to
England's chances of winning its first major trophy since taking its
only World Cup title 40 years ago.

England's other top striker is Michael Owen, but there's little depth
beyond those two with untested 6-foot-7 Peter Crouch the next option.

Manchester United has played down the optimism over Rooney's return,
with Ferguson worried his star player might aggravate the injury if
rushed back too soon.

"His (Rooney's) injury is progressing as expected and we now hope to
gradually increase his rehabilitation as planned," Manchester United
said in a statement.

Ferguson lashed out at English newspapers for suggesting he didn't
want Rooney to play in the World Cup.

"The most important thing, which is most damaging to myself and the
football club of Manchester United, is that there are suggestions
that we don't want Wayne to go," he said. "It's absolutely ludicrous."

Eriksson also downplayed any disagreement with Ferguson.

"I spoke to Sir Alex Ferguson today and we had a really good
conversation," he said. "Despite all the speculation, there has been
a very positive dialogue with Manchester United all along."




Copyright © 2006 CNN/Sports Illustrated.

Sven-Goran Eriksson is convinced Wayne Rooney's mere presence on
England's June 5 flight to Germany can spur his team-mates on to
greater World Cup glory.

The Manchester United striker will take his seat among Eriksson's 23-
man party a week on Monday even though he will require another scan
on June 14 just to discover whether he will be able to kick a ball in
England's quest to emulate the heroes of 1966.

"The fact he is flying out to Germany with us will give everyone a
big lift," said Eriksson. "We are still hoping the second scan will
show further improvement and that Wayne can play his part in the
World Cup."

Such is Rooney's importance to Eriksson's squad, the Swede is
prepared to risk having the 20-year-old in his party even though
there is a good chance he will be restricted to the kind of cameo
role Kevin Keegan and Trevor Brooking had under Ron Greenwood in
Spain 24 years ago.

Whether he gets on the field or not, Eriksson is adamant Rooney will
have a positive effect on England's chances.

On the face of it, there is hardly any sense in Rooney travelling to
Germany given he will not be able to do any football training and he
will be leaving behind all the state-of-the-art medical equipment
available to him at United's luxurious Carrington training complex.

However, FIFA regulations stipulate any player selected for a World
Cup squad must spend at least some time in Germany.

In addition, while Rooney will begin light jogging next week when the
England squad join him at Carrington in readiness for the friendlies
with Hungary and Jamaica, by June 5 it is anticipated the former
Everton star will have advanced onto shuttle runs, work which is
better done as part of a group.

Although there is a large degree of trust required on United's part,
they believe if Rooney is pushed too hard in Germany, the evidence
will be shown on the scan, the results of which are likely to be
known on June 15, the day England tackle Trinidad and Tobago in their
second Group B game.

Rooney faces a nervous wait over his foot injury
Sir Alex Ferguson has told Wayne Rooney he needs to be careful as he
tries to recover and play in the World Cup.
The Manchester United striker will definitely miss England's group
stage games - after a scan revealed he cannot train for at least
another three weeks.

Manchester United boss Ferguson said: "Wayne has to look after
himself by ensuring he is getting the proper rest.

"He must wear his orthopaedic boot at the right time, especially in
training. Wayne's young, he doesn't feel pain."

Rooney requires another scan on 14 June to determine when he can
return to action.

If the striker's broken metatarsal is given the all-clear, he would
have 10 days to get fit for a last-16 tie.

England have to decide by 9 June whether to replace Rooney in the
squad.

Ferguson added: "This is a dangerous area because the scan quite
clearly shows the fracture is not healed."

Rooney suffered the injury in a Premiership game against Chelsea at
Stamford Bridge on 29 April.

By John Curtis, PA Sport

Gary Neville insists England can make a massive impact on the World
Cup even if Wayne Rooney fails to recover from a broken metatarsal,
and warned: "You can't rely on one player."

Defender Neville, who missed the last World Cup through injury,
believes England "have to plan for Wayne not being available" when
the finals get underway in three weeks' time.

The 31-year-old is aware it will be the teams who cope best with
injuries and suspensions who will emerge as serious challengers.

Neville said of his Manchester United team-mate, who faces a scan on
Thursday: "I think we will still have a very good squad even without
Wayne.

"Wayne isn't here at present. The players on the pitch are the most
important ones, the ones who are training, the ones who are fit.

"For the last World Cup, I wasn't available. I know everyone hopes
Wayne will be available but we have to plan for him not to be
available. We're certainly going to play the warm-up games without
him.

"Every team during the tournament will suffer an injury or a
suspension. They will suffer through loss of form or something will
happen.

"You just have to cope with those things that will happen during the
tournament.

"It's the same for every country in the World Cup. I think during the
last World Cup, Brazil had Ronaldinho missing for the semi-final.

"You would say that's a great handicap but it still didn't stop them
and you have to be good enough to cope with those things during a
World Cup if you have aspirations of winning it."

Neville, who has returned with his England colleagues from a training
camp in Portugal, added: "You can't rely on one team-mate. I don't
think any of the players would say this is a one-man team.

"There is so much emphasis put by the media on one or two players.
It's never like that when you are in a team situation. There are 23
players and you never think, 'Oh, we all are depending on him.'

"You realise there are great players in your team. You know who they
are but you never think of them as the be-all and end-all in terms of
your chances of doing well and that's the same all the way through
football history.

"There will always be a player picked out of a team that's a star but
that's normally the media which does that. It's not the team itself.
It's not the squad itself."

Neville is relishing the prospect of what could be his last World
Cup, although he is trying not to get too hyped up too soon for what
could be eight weeks together as a squad if the ultimate prize is
secured on July 9.

He said: "If you're not excited about a World Cup, you shouldn't be a
footballer. It doesn't get any less exciting the older you get.

"There's always a huge build-up and this is part of it, coming away
with the team for three or four weeks.

"The thing I've probably learnt most from the previous tournaments is
not to get too eager too quickly, because hopefully we can be
together for eight weeks - and eight weeks is a long time.

"You can't be on a high all that time. You take your moments of rest
and your moments away from football. The week in Portugal was one of
those weeks.

"The World Cup is at the back of your mind but you're trying to think
about nice things like good food and sun.

"Certainly once you get to the tournament, once you get to Germany,
it's so intense, you haven't got time to think about anything else
than football.

"It really is mentally draining and physically draining for every
player who plays in that tournament."

Wayne Rooney will be fit to start the World Cup campaign, according
to reports

The Sun newspaper says the 20-year-old striker's recovery is
astounding doctors.

England team-mates believe he could be available for England's
opening match against Paraguay on June 10th.


Rooney after his injury Rooney is due to have a scan on his broken
metatarsal in his right foot on Thursday - the result of which will
influence England head coach Sven Goran Eriksson in his plans for the
tournament.

The Manchester United player suffered a double fracture playing
against Chelsea three weeks ago.

He broke a metatarsal doing the 2004 European Championship and did
not play for ten weeks.

The first game of the World Cup is on June 9.

Sven-Goran Eriksson has submitted his 23-man England squad to FIFA
for the World Cup finals.

It is a list of the same names Eriksson unveiled last week, with the
first 11 numbers going to what is recognised as his first-choice
team. This includes Wayne Rooney, who will wear the number nine shirt
even though he is currently out with a broken foot and battling to be
fit for the tournament.

Eriksson can still replace injured players up to 24 hours before
England's first Group B game against Paraguay, in Frankfurt, on June
10.

Surprise selection Theo Walcott has been handed the number 23 shirt.

Walcott, who is only 17 and yet to play a Premiership game, joined
his new international team-mates for the first time on Monday.

Eriksson and his players met to fly from Luton Airport to Portugal
where they will spend five days at a training camp. There were five
players missing from the party.

Arsenal duo Sol Campbell and Ashley Cole have stayed with the Gunners
because of the Champions League final against Barcelona on Wednesday.

Walcott has been left out of the Arsenal squad by boss Arsene Wenger,
who reached an agreement with Eriksson.

Wenger decided the teenager was unlikely to play in the Stade de
France because strikers Thierry Henry, Dennis Bergkamp, Jose Reyes
and Robin van Persie were all ahead of him in the pecking order.

Saturday May 13 2006

The latest update on Wayne Rooney's injury has been described
as "very, very positive" by England team doctor Leif Sward.

Manchester United striker Rooney was on Friday seen riding a bike
around the club's Carrington training ground as he bids to recover
from breaking the fifth metatarsal bone in his right foot. Just two
weeks after being carried off on a stretcher during United's loss to
Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, Rooney has raised hopes he could be fit
in time to play a part in the World Cup.

"I just talked to the doctors in Manchester and the report they gave
me was very, very positive," said Sward. "I don't want to say so much
because we have decided Manchester United's medical team, with Mike
Stone in charge, will work with Rooney's recovery. I can say they
have done a tremendous job with Wayne. And I can say I am very glad
for this latest report. Wayne's progress is very positive."

England's first group game against Paraguay is now under a month
away, but coach Sven-Goran Eriksson is keeping his fingers crossed
Rooney will be ready for the latter stages of the tournament.

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Rooney is facing an anxious six weeks before learning whether he will
be fit enough to go to the World Cup with England, with Sven-Goran
Eriksson vowing to take the 20-year-old to Germany if at all possible.

Although he has expressed major doubts over whether Rooney will make
it, Ferguson has pledged United will do everything possible to help
the striker, with an oxygen chamber at the club's Carrington training
complex being the latest development.

"An oxygen chamber will arrive here this afternoon," said Ferguson.

"There is no conclusive evidence that it does improve injuries but
there is no evidence against it. It won't do any harm and everything
is worth a try at this stage."

Ferguson confirmed Rooney suffered two breaks to the same metatarsal
when he went over on his foot at Stamford Bridge on Saturday but said
confirmation of the second break would have no effect on the player's
recovery programme.

"The break he has got in the fourth metatarsal is a small fracture
but the one slightly above it is nothing to worry about at all," he
said. "It doesn't affect the recovery, there is no damage there at
all."

Ferguson stated there would be no deadline placed on Rooney regarding
his fitness for the World Cup.

Having reached agreement with Eriksson for the former Everton striker
to continue his rehabilitation in Manchester, Ferguson feels Rooney's
participation in the World Cup will be determined by further scans
later in his recovery programme.

"You can't put a deadline on it," he said. "The scans will tell you
everything.

"In a few weeks time we will send him back for another scan. If it
has healed then we have the progress we want. If it has not healed,
there is nothing you can do about it.

"We will do our very best to get him there. It is in our interests as
well as England's to do that. But we want him to do himself justice
and we will not jeopardise the boy."

By Scott Dougal, PA Sport



Everton manager David Moyes has backed Sir Alex Ferguson's attempts
to protect Wayne Rooney from too much World Cup pressure.

The Manchester United and England striker is the subject of intense
speculation after breaking a metatarsal against Chelsea at the
weekend.

England coach Sven-Goran Eriksson will pick Rooney even if he only
recovers in time to play in the final while Ferguson claims it is "a
wild dream" to suppose the 20-year-old will be fit, although he
stressed that United will do all in their power to help him recover
in time.

Moyes told the League Managers Association website: "Sir Alex
realises that everybody thinks that England's hopes are on Wayne and
he doesn't need that, it's too much for a boy so young, all be it he
is a fantastic talent."

The Everton manager is in a similar situation with Tim Cahill, who is
wanted by Australia to play in Germany this summer even though he is
still recovering from a knee ligament injury.

Moyes said: "The clubs are the people who pay their wages and need
them to start the season.

"If Manchester United don't have Wayne Rooney at the start of next
season and we don't have Tom Cahill at the start of next season that
will be a big blow to our ambitions to do well.

"We have to look after our own interests and nothing would please me
more than for both players to go and play in the World Cup, but from
my point of view I have to be selfish and from Tim Cahill's point of
view I have to make sure that he's right before he's going anywhere."

Moyes did back two of his players to make Eriksson's squad - Phil
Neville and James Beattie, who is back in contention in the wake of
Rooney's problems.

"I think James certainly wouldn't let anybody down," said Moyes.

"He'd be very keen to have a go and I think if he was given an
opportunity he'd love to, like you'd expect from an Englishman. So
James would be ready if the call came."

He added: "I'd be surprised if Phil doesn't go to the World Cup
because everybody knows the level of professionalism that he has,
everybody knows his versatility which would become vital in the World
Cup especially with the possibility of maybe taking too many players
with fitness doubts."

Nike has denied its new 'Total 90 Supremacy' boot is in any way
responsible for the injury that has threatened to ruin Wayne Rooney's
World Cup hopes.

The Manchester United and England striker was wearing the new boots
at Stamford Bridge on Saturday when he sustained a metatarsal injury
in his club's 3-0 defeat to Chelsea. The 20-year-old appeared to
catch his foot in the turf while jostling with Paulo Ferreira for the
ball, and fell to the ground in agony before being stretchered off.

A Nike spokesperson told PA Sport's Football Insider: "We do not
believe the T90 supremacy boot was in any way responsible for or
linked to Wayne's injury. Both Wayne himself and Manchester United's
medical staff have confirmed that they do not believe the boot was
linked to Wayne's injury."

He added: "Wayne was involved in the testing and development process
for the boot. He tested prototypes in the US last year and tested
other samples at different stages of the test process. Neither he,
nor any of the other players who tested the boot, experienced any
problems in testing.

"Many other players have been positively involved in the test process
for the boot and will continue to wear it, for example Rio Ferdinand,
Jose Reyes, Roberto Carlos, Fernando Torres and Alberto Gilardino."


Rooney told MUTV on Tuesday: "I don't think my football boots had
anything to do with the injury. Before we actually wear the boots
they get tested out to make sure they're suitable for playing in. The
boots have been checked out and the boots are fine.


"It was an impact injury and there was a lot of pressure on my foot.
If you watch the video again you can see that's how it happened."

Rooney faces a nervous wait over his foot injury

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has criticised England coach
Sven-Goran Eriksson over his belief Wayne Rooney can play in the
World Cup.
Ferguson said: "We will do our best to get the boy to Germany but if
he is not fit, he is not going to go.

"In six weeks' time Rooney will have another two weeks to get fit to
play in the quarter-final of a World Cup. That is a wild dream.

"Sven saying he'll take Wayne fit or not was something we didn't
want."

Eriksson has indicated he will probably take Rooney to Germany
whether he is fit or not.

Ferguson has not yet spoken to Eriksson about Rooney's injury, which
was sustained in United's defeat at Chelsea on Saturday.

   I would think this injury is even more of a killer-blow to him
because he knows he is missing major tournaments

Sir Alex Ferguson

"I have left messages on his phone but I have not spoken to him,"
said Ferguson. "But obviously the club will deal directly with the
Football Association and make sure they are kept fully informed of
Wayne's progress.

"We are doing a CAT scan on him on Wednesday and he will get that
checked every week."

Ferguson accepts Rooney's absence would harm Eriksson's hopes of
success this summer.

"Without doubt it is a crippling blow for England," he said.

"When you see brave players staying down after a tackle you know it's
genuine and he's in pain and that's what I felt with Wayne.

"At first we didn't think it was too bad, but when we sent him for
the scan it identified the problem and we realised what a blow it was
for the boy and for England.

"I spoke to Wayne on Saturday and he was obviously a bit down, but I
told him these things happen."

The injury is the same one that ended Rooney's Euro 2004 campaign -
but Ferguson knows the timing is even worse for him this time.

He added: "I would think this injury is even more of a killer-blow to
him because he knows he is missing major tournaments.

"This time round it is even worse because he is more mature and is a
more rounded player who has improved dramatically over the last two
years. So it is a real, real blow."

If England don't have Wayne Rooney they will need to look at getting
inspiration from other players

Sir Alex Ferguson

He explained: "I have tried to get hold of Sven so I can give him as
clear an opinion from us as possible because he will be reading a lot
of stuff in the newspapers.

"We have spoken to the England doctor and I think it is important
that I give as much as information as I can to Sven to make sure he
is absolutely clear on what road he can take.

"Wayne will be in plaster for the next few weeks and he'll be having
regular scans to see how it is healing."

The Scot added he was unhappy that Rooney had been saddled with such
a burden of national expectation.

"I said a few weeks ago that I didn't want to see this kind of
pressure on a lad of 20," said Ferguson.

"Other more experienced players such as David Beckham, Steven
Gerrard, Frank Lampard, John Terry, Rio Ferdinand and Gary Neville,
should be taking the mantle.

"If England don't have Wayne Rooney they will need to look at getting
inspiration from other players."

By Alan Hansen

BBC Sport football expert


Make no mistake, Wayne Rooney's injury has harmed England's chance at
the World Cup.


Rooney's absence will be felt on the pitch and in the dressing room

If he is fit and playing, England have got a great chance of winning
and if he's not then that chance is diminished.

It is very difficult, if not impossible, to replace Rooney, but it
looks almost certain that that is what England coach Sven-Goran
Eriksson will have to do.

Some people say you can play Steven Gerrard in Rooney's role, but I
think Gerrard is much better facing the goal than with his back to
goal.

He is so much more prolific when he is driving forward, we see that
week in and week out.

Another option is to play Peter Crouch and Michael Owen as your
strike pairing.

Stewart Downing has played well recently for Middlesbrough and he
could go on the left with Joe Cole pushed up front with Owen.

Personally, I think the answer is to play Joe Cole just off Owen and
move Gerrard to the left, giving him a remit to roam.

David Beckham can stay on the right, with Frank Lampard in the middle
alongside a holding player, maybe Michael Carrick or Ledley King, if
he's fit.

   You can understand Man Utd's concerns - but you can understand why
England might push Rooney to play

Ferguson warning over Rooney
I would guess that is the choice for Eriksson. But then, that is my
thinking. Eriksson might be thinking differently.

In any event, the injury to Rooney makes it even more essential for
England that Owen is fit.

Of course, we do not know when Rooney will be back.

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson says he is doubtful
Rooney will be fit, Eriksson says he wants to take Rooney if there is
even a slight chance of him playing.

You have to look at both sides. If Eriksson was manager of Manchester
United, he would say the same as Ferguson. And if Alex managed
England he'd say the same as Eriksson.

For the England manager, the thinking must be that if there's a 1%
chance of him being fit then you take him.

I think it is a certainty he will be named in the squad.

Of course, you can understand Manchester United's concerns, but you
can understand why England might push him to play.

   Before the '81 European Cup final I knew Dalglish wasn't fit, but I
thought 'we're better with him than without him'

You have got to be sensible and get the balance right.

You must also remember, this is a 20-year-old who just wants to play.
The danger, which we have seen 100 times before, is that players
sometimes say they are fit when they are not.

Rooney's absence will be felt not only on the pitch but in the
dressing room.

I have seen it myself when Kenny Dalglish was not playing.

I think it was the 1981 European Cup final. He had missed the six
games before it and he was not fit to play - but he was picked
anyway.

I just remember sitting in the dressing room thinking 'I know he is
not 100% fit but we're better with him than without him'.

In the dressing room, different players will approach this in their
own way - some will be positive and some may be quite negative.

And the ones who are negative may perceive a game differently if if
they do not see Rooney in there.

Among all these factors, one simple fact remains: if your best
players are missing then it is difficult.

And without Rooney, England have got a massive chasm in their team.

The same injury ended Rooney's Euro 2004 campaign

Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney is "devastated" at breaking a
bone in his foot but is hopeful he can play some role for England at
the World Cup.
The 20-year-old star faces at least six weeks out, which means he
will probably miss England's group games in Germany.

"You've just got to get on with it and be positive," Rooney told
MUTV.

"But I'm in great hands at United and I know with the physio team
I've got behind me here that they'll be able to give me the best
possible chance."

Rooney broke a metatarsal bone in his right foot when he was tackled
by Paulo Ferreira during Saturday's 3-0 defeat by Chelsea at Stamford
Bridge.

"I'm obviously devastated to have broken my foot at this moment in
time, it really is horrible," he said.

"I'll be coming in (for treatment) every day and trying to give
myself the best possible chance."

United's medical staff are in charge of Rooney's treatment but
England team doctors are liaising with them.


England coach Sven-Goran Eriksson has to name his 23-man squad for
Germany on 15 May but will announce a provisional squad on 8 May.

England's first group game at the World Cup is against Paraguay on 10
June.

United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has said the club will have the final
say on whether Rooney goes to the World Cup.

Eriksson says he wants to include Rooney in his squad, but Ferguson
says United are in a better position to judge.

The injury is the same one that ended Rooney's Euro 2004 campaign in
Portugal.

Striker Wayne Rooney will be going to the World Cup, according to
coach Sven-Goran Eriksson.

The news will cheer England fans who feared the player would be left
on the sidelines after breaking a bone in his foot.

Manager Sven Goran Eriksson has been consulting doctors to assess the
chances of his star striker's broken metatarsal healing in time for
the finals.

However, with less than six weeks to go until the first match against
Paraguay on June 10, many believe the 20-year-old will need a miracle
to recover in time.

Midfielder Steven Gerrard said he thought it was "impossible" to
imagine winning the tournament without Rooney.

He said: "It would be a disaster for England if we had to go to the
World Cup without Wayne. He is idolised around the country and is our
main man."

Rooney was left writhing in pain following a seemingly innocuous
challenge during Manchester United's 3-0 defeat against Chelsea on
Saturday.

The northern club's doctors later confirmed he had broken the fourth
metatarsal on his right foot, and would be out of action for six
weeks.

He was ruled out of the 2004 European championships after breaking a
metatarsal in the same foot.

His fellow forward Michael Owen has also been suffering from injury.

Sven has to provide football authorities with a final 23-man squad on
May 15.

After that players can only be replaced if they suffer a new problem.

England rocked by injury worries


Sunday April 30 2006



Sven-Goran Eriksson is in danger of going to the World Cup without
the player he rates as England's answer to Pele and another who he
believes is "our best goalscorer without any doubt".

England's miserable preparations for the impending finals in Germany
took another depressing turn on Saturday as new injury doubts were
cast over Wayne Rooney and Michael Owen.

Rooney will be out for six weeks after breaking his foot at Stamford
Bridge.

The 20-year-old was stretchered off during Manchester United's 3-0
defeat by Chelsea, having suffered the injury in a challenge for
possession with Paulo Ferreira.

And, with England's opening World Cup game against Paraguay on June
10 exactly six weeks away, Eriksson's dilemma is now obvious.

Owen, meanwhile, made his much-anticipated return for Newcastle in
the Magpies' 0-0 draw with Birmingham but limped off at full-time
following his 28-minute substitute appearance.

It was the striker's first match since he broke his foot against
Tottenham on December 31 and his fitness will be assessed on Monday.

"My foot does not feel right," Owen told the News of the World. "I
felt something go after 10 minutes. But it's not the kind of pain I
experienced when I needed a second operation.

"I will have to go and see the surgeon. Until then I don't know how
serious it is. It doesn't feel perfect.

"Is it pain? I don't know how to explain it. There is a numbness
there.

"It wasn't a crack or the pain I felt when I first did it on New
Year's Eve. But it is obviously not ideal. As far as the World Cup is
concerned it is much too early to say."

Chelsea skipper John Terry also needed extensive treatment after
taking a kick on the shin from Rooney in the first half.

However, Blues boss Jose Mourinho said: "Rooney's tackle on John
Terry was a very nasty one but he will have 10 stitches and be ready
in one week."

There is also cause for concern about England's left-back berth with
Fulham manager Chris Coleman revealing Wayne Bridge has a hamstring
problem.

Fully fit, Bridge would be an automatic choice in Sven-Goran
Eriksson's World Cup squad and, with doubts remaining over Ashley
Cole's fitness, could yet be the Swede's first choice left-back.

However, it appears Bridge is far from being free of pain and, while
the extent of the problem is not known, it is restricting his
performances.

"Wayne has a tight hamstring," said Coleman. "It is a bit
uncomfortable for him and he is not getting into the final third as
much but he is still doing a good job for us."

Right-back Gary Neville seemed to limp off at the end of United's
defeat by Chelsea, though it is not thought to be a serious injury.

By Lewis Rutledge


Wayne Rooney has been named the PFA Young Player of the Year for the
second season in succession.

The Manchester United striker, still only 20, has had a terrific
season, dazzling everyone with his huge repertoire of skills.

He has combined some eye-catching displays with a clinical cutting
edge, netting 16 times in The Premiership alone, as well as weighing
in with numerous assists.

Rooney has inspired Manchester United's late charge up the table,
with the recent display against Arsenal one of his highlights, but
has been the model of consistency throughout their campaign.

He has also starred for England, and has been tipped to take this
summer's World Cup by storm.

The former Everton star was a hot favourite to land the gong, voted
for by fellow professionals, but 18-year-old midfielder Cesc Fabregas
also had his admirers after impressing for Arsenal, especially during
their incredible run to the semi-finals of the UEFA Champions League.

The other nominees were Rooney's Manchester United team-mate
Cristiano Ronaldo, Charlton's Darren Bent, Aaron Lennon of Tottenham
and Anton Ferdinand of West Ham, and the England star revealed his
delight at retaining the prize.

"To win it twice on the run is a great honour and I am delighted with
the award," said Rooney.

"As a team, we have done a bit better than last year, so it is an
improvement.

"Hopefully we can continue that and I will be sitting here again next
season."

Rooney also revealed that he had plumped for Spanish midfielder
Fabregas, as well as his Arsenal colleague Thierry Henry in the
senior award.

"I voted for Fabregas, but it was close between him and Darren Bent,
who has been brilliant with all the goals he has scored for
Charlton," Rooney added.

"But Fabregas has done really well for Arsenal - especially in the
Champions League.

"I also voted for Thierry Henry, for the goals he has scored and the
overall performance - the main thing is that he was doing it all in
the Champions League as well."

Rooney will give the damages to charity

Manchester United and England footballer Wayne Rooney has accepted
damages of £100,000 from the publishers of the Sun and the News of
the World.

The newspapers had falsely reported the striker slapped his fiancee
Coleen McLoughlin during a row at a nightclub in Cheshire in April
last year.

Rooney strenuously denied the story and will donate the damages to
charity.

At the High Court the newspapers' publishers, News Group Newspapers
Ltd, accepted the allegations were false.

Rooney and Ms McLoughlin were not present at Tuesday's hearing in
front of Mr Justice Eady.


Rooney and Ms McLoughlin were not present at the hearing
The 20-year-old player's solicitors, Schillings, said he intended to
donate the damages to charity.

The damages reflected "the gravity of the libels", they added.

A statement from the two newspapers said: "With only 58 days to the
start of The World Cup, The Sun and The News of The World are pleased
to have reached a settlement with Wayne Rooney.

"We can now put this case behind us and focus on a great tournament.

"We wish him and the England team every success in Germany and look
forward to welcoming them back with the World Cup trophy."

Rio Ferdinand insists Wayne Rooney can handle the responsibility of
being England's "main man" at this summer's World Cup.

Rooney has matured immensely since he burst onto the international
scene at Euro 2004 two years ago and is regarded as the most vital
member of Sven-Goran Eriksson's side. England's hopes of lifting the
World Cup trophy are being pinned on the 20-year-old by many but his
Manchester United colleague Ferdinand insists he can handle the
pressure.

"He (Rooney) is at the beginning of hopefully what will be a great
career," Ferdinand told TalkSPORT. "He's someone who has got
unbelievable talent, he's clinical in what he does; his final pass,
his shooting and his goalscoring and he's a real team player as well."

He added: "He's at the beginning of a career that hopefully will be
able to take not only Manchester United but England on a good course
and I think he's got the ability to do that. It's all a learning
curve.

"The fans and the media are piling their hopes on him and putting a
lot of pressure on him to be the main man but if anyone's going to be
able to shoulder that responsibility then it's Wayne."


The Football Association are yet to recruit Eriksson's successor when
the Swede steps down after the Germany tournament this summer.


Steve McClaren, Alan Curbishley, Martin O'Neill and Sam Allardyce are
thought to be the four in the running but Ferdinand insists the
players are not being distracted by the ongoing saga.


He continued: "We've got to look beyond that to the World Cup, that's
the most important issue at the moment.


"I just think the FA have got to find the right man for the job.
Sven's leaving and we've just got to get on with it as players and
then when it's time for him to go it's up to the FA, we've got no say
or bearing on what does happen.


"But as long as it goes to the best man for the job and he can bring
the best out of the players he has got at his disposal then that's
great for English football."

By Sam Wallace

Published: 10 April 2006

Wayne Rooney's gambling debts have threatened a dispute that goes
right to the heart of the England team after it emerged yesterday
that he could face a legal battle with a business associate of
Michael Owen who has been blamed for allowing the striker to run up
huge losses.

The disclosure that the Manchester United forward owes £700,000 to
Stephen Smith, who manages Owen's property portfolio, has been
queried by sources close to the striker although what is not in doubt
is that the 20-year-old has run up daunting debts betting with Smith.
Rooney's advisers are now attempting to establish how much money
their client owes Smith and there have already been meetings between
lawyers from both sides.

After yesterday's victory over Arsenal, Rooney was asked whether
gambling debts had ever affected his performances. He said: "Look at
them. You can answer that yourself."

The relationship between Owen and Rooney, who will lead England's
attack in Germany next summer, is at the centre of the dispute and
although they are understood not to have fallen out over the debts,
there is disquiet at the way in which Rooney has been treated by his
more senior colleague. Owen, a keen racehorse breeder, introduced
Smith to his England team-mates - he has become the team's unofficial
bookmaker - which has infuriated those closest to Rooney.

Despite his importance to the team, Rooney remains one of the
youngest members of a squad who is known for being especially
generous with the part of his £60,000-a-week salary that is not
invested for his future. While betting is a popular pastime for the
England squad, there is alarm at how easily Rooney was allowed to
spend thousands of pounds betting on horses, greyhounds and football
matches in which he was not involved.

While players are banned from betting on games in which they play,
the England team and officials will have to sign a pledge before the
World Cup finals that they will not gamble on any match in the
tournament. The Football Association can do nothing to prevent
players gambling in their own time but Sven Goran Eriksson will speak
to Rooney and Owen ahead of the tournament to make sure there are no
problems between them.

The most immediate question is the size of the debt which Rooney's
side is trying to establish. He has told his agent, Paul Stretford,
that the debts were run up in the six months to Christmas but he only
disclosed them to his advisers around two months ago when Smith
became more insistent that he pay up.

Stretford's Proactive company has asked to see records of its
client's bets and the odds that were on offer. However, it is
understood that the bets were taken on such an informal basis, mainly
over the telephone and by text message, that there are few records of
Rooney's betting, much less the odds he was offered. A spokesman for
Proactive refused to comment.

There are also doubts over whether Smith was licensed to take bets,
although he has retrospectively applied for one. Sir Alex Ferguson
and United officials have been made aware of the situation and
Ferguson dismissed the reports as "absolute rubbish".

"We have a media who want to examine every part of his life. We had
it with George Best, Paul Gascoigne and David Beckham - they will
search for something for headlines."

Wayne Rooney's gambling debts have threatened a dispute that goes
right to the heart of the England team after it emerged yesterday
that he could face a legal battle with a business associate of
Michael Owen who has been blamed for allowing the striker to run up
huge losses.

The disclosure that the Manchester United forward owes £700,000 to
Stephen Smith, who manages Owen's property portfolio, has been
queried by sources close to the striker although what is not in doubt
is that the 20-year-old has run up daunting debts betting with Smith.
Rooney's advisers are now attempting to establish how much money
their client owes Smith and there have already been meetings between
lawyers from both sides.

After yesterday's victory over Arsenal, Rooney was asked whether
gambling debts had ever affected his performances. He said: "Look at
them. You can answer that yourself."

The relationship between Owen and Rooney, who will lead England's
attack in Germany next summer, is at the centre of the dispute and
although they are understood not to have fallen out over the debts,
there is disquiet at the way in which Rooney has been treated by his
more senior colleague. Owen, a keen racehorse breeder, introduced
Smith to his England team-mates - he has become the team's unofficial
bookmaker - which has infuriated those closest to Rooney.

Despite his importance to the team, Rooney remains one of the
youngest members of a squad who is known for being especially
generous with the part of his £60,000-a-week salary that is not
invested for his future. While betting is a popular pastime for the
England squad, there is alarm at how easily Rooney was allowed to
spend thousands of pounds betting on horses, greyhounds and football
matches in which he was not involved.
While players are banned from betting on games in which they play,
the England team and officials will have to sign a pledge before the
World Cup finals that they will not gamble on any match in the
tournament. The Football Association can do nothing to prevent
players gambling in their own time but Sven Goran Eriksson will speak
to Rooney and Owen ahead of the tournament to make sure there are no
problems between them.

The most immediate question is the size of the debt which Rooney's
side is trying to establish. He has told his agent, Paul Stretford,
that the debts were run up in the six months to Christmas but he only
disclosed them to his advisers around two months ago when Smith
became more insistent that he pay up.

Stretford's Proactive company has asked to see records of its
client's bets and the odds that were on offer. However, it is
understood that the bets were taken on such an informal basis, mainly
over the telephone and by text message, that there are few records of
Rooney's betting, much less the odds he was offered. A spokesman for
Proactive refused to comment.

There are also doubts over whether Smith was licensed to take bets,
although he has retrospectively applied for one. Sir Alex Ferguson
and United officials have been made aware of the situation and
Ferguson dismissed the reports as "absolute rubbish".

"We have a media who want to examine every part of his life. We had
it with George Best, Paul Gascoigne and David Beckham - they will
search for something for headlines."