Rooney fitness boost for England

Wayne Rooney was back in training with England today when they began their countdown to Sunday’s friendly international with Denmark at Old Trafford.

The Everton starlet had been regarded as a major doubt after a severe bout of flu had forced him to miss Monday’s Premiership game with Blackburn.

But he has made a rapid recovery in the past 24 hours and joined in with the rest of the squad at their training session in Manchester.

Skipper David Beckham was absent with his back problem and was receiving treatment at the

team’s headquarters.

But it is hoped that he will be able to take part in further sessions in the next 48 hours and be recovered sufficiently to lead his country.

But the news was not so encouraging about Aston Villa striker Darius Vassell.

He had been given permission by England coach Sven-Goran Eriksson to play for his club in a friendly in Dubai on Wednesday.

But, despite scoring four goals against Al Nasr, he sustained a knee problem which makes him a doubt for Sunday.

FA spokesman Adrian Bevington said: “He has some fluid on his knee which means he cannot fly today back to England.

“He will fly back with Villa on Friday evening from Dubai and will then be assessed by our medical staff on Saturday to see whether he can proceed from there.”

Taking part in their first training sessions with the senior squad were Chelsea fullback Glen Johnson, Charlton midfielder Scott Parker and Tottenham centre back Anthony Gardner.