Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney will undergo a scan on 25 May which could determine whether he is fit for this summer’s World Cup.
Rooney was named England’s 23-man squad despite having broken a bone in a foot.
England coach Sven-Goran Eriksson said: “After 25 May we will know much more about what will happen with Wayne.
“it will be a pity if he does not make it – but our chances do not stand or fall with Wayne Rooney.”
Eriksson is considering using in-form Liverpool midfielder Steven Gerrard as a second striker if Rooney does not make it.
“I have known for many years that Steven can play a lot of positions and one is second striker,” he added.
“I am sure he could also play as first striker and he is also excellent at right-back.
“It depends a lot what is going to happen with Michael Owen and Wayne. We have not decided yet where we are going to use Steven.
“But Michael looks in very good shape, he is scoring in training and he is hungry to play football. That is very good.
“He looks 100% fit and I am very confident he will be absolutely perfect for the World Cup.”
meanwhile, Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has reiterated his view that England should not take Wayne Rooney if he is less than 100% fit.
“You cannot take anyone half-fit to a World Cup, I think that happened with David Beckham,” Ferguson told MUTV.
“We have assisted Wayne. He didn’t enjoy the oxygen chamber but tried it.
“A lot of people might think I am selfish but Wayne is the most important player in the team at Manchester United.
“We have to ensure the boy is going to be fit at the start of the season for us, so we all become selfish in that respect.
“England are selfish and Manchester United are selfish because they want the best for their operation.”
