Rooney’s unexpected arrival eases England’s fears in attack

SVEN-GORAN ERIKSSON’S striker worries ahead of Sunday’s clash with Denmark eased when it was announced Wayne Rooney will join the England squad in Manchester today.

The Everton striker missed Monday's Premiership defeat at Blackburn because of the flu bug which was rampant at the Toffees' training complex. Everton physio Mike Rathbone said yesterday Rooney, who is confined to home, was "very unwell" and expected to be out for "five or six days".

However, the FA since revealed he will join up with the rest of the squad. This will be welcome news for Eriksson, who has already lost Michael Owen to ankle injury and would have been without both first-choice forwards had Rooney pulled out.