Rooney comeback boost

Encouraging news today as England striker Wayne Rooney stepped up his recovery from injury by starting light training.

England manager Sven-Goran Eriksson said: "I've always been confident he will take part in Germany. I've always said that.

"He's been working really, really hard. Physically he's very good, and he hasn't put on weight."

He added: "I think we have to wait until 7 June when he has the scan. I look forward to that but from tomorrow he will practice with us, with our physios."

England assistant-manager Steve McClaren said: "He has been working with the United physios all this week.

"He's stepping things up, having the relevant scans and progressing well."

He added: "Of course, you never take things for granted in football and with the metatarsal especially.

"Hopefully the scans will be OK but you've seen the progress he's making.

"He's a confident lad and he wants to be there and he'll be doing everything possible to be there."

England captain David Beckham said: "He was at the training ground on Thursday and was kicking balls today. It's all good news but we have to be careful with him as well.

"We have to take the advice of the Man Utd and England physios and doctors because they know best, and we have to listen to Wayne too, and when he feels right.

"If he carries on recovering the way he has in the last few months then I'm sure he will play a part but we have to be careful with him because we don't want him breaking down and Manchester United certainly don't want him breaking down."