Rooney will taste world cup action

England striker Wayne Rooney (photo at right) has been passed fit to take part in the World Cup finals in Germany, the BBC said on Wednesday.

The 20-year-old Manchester United striker, returned to the U.K. on Wednesday for tests on the metatarsal bone he damaged on April 29, left Manchester Airport in a private jet to return to the England team’s training camp in Baden Baden, southern Germany.{{more}}

Coach Sven-Goran Eriksson has maintained that Rooney’s fitness and willpower will enable him to play his part in a campaign which starts on Saturday against Paraguay.

“I’ve always said I think he will be available, that he will take part in the World Cup and I still believe it very, very strongly,” Eriksson told reporters before the scan.

His optimism also reflected the sight of Rooney beginning Tuesday’s training session with the rest of the squad before peeling off to continue his rehabilitation in the glare of the world’s media.

While a lack of fitness may keep him out of England’s three group games, starting with the June 10 contest against Paraguay, Rooney may be fit for the latter stages should England advance.

England also faces Trinidad and Tobago, and Sweden and will need to finish in the top two to set up a possible second-round game as early as June 24 and quarterfinal from June 30.