Downing and Lennon in England frame

Sven-Goran Eriksson’s injury crisis may have opened the door for young wingers Stewart Downing and Aaron Lennon to storm into his World Cup squad.

Eriksson names his 23-man squad, plus probably four stand-by players, in London tomorrow.

Six months ago, it seemed a closed shop – but suddenly a glut of injuries to key men has the Swede turning over last-minute options in his mind.

Central to all these, of course, is Wayne Rooney – and the forward’s club manager Alex Ferguson applied a little pressure on the eve of the squad announcement by reminding Eriksson he does not want any risks taken with his star striker.

The Manchester United boss said: “I am not going along with this half-baked idea that he is going to Germany 80% fit and then find him being pressured into playing before he is ready.”

Eriksson said last week that he would “probably” name Rooney in his 23 despite his broken foot – and that remains the case.

Injured players can be replaced up to 24 hours before England’s first game of the finals on June 10 if a FIFA doctor verifies the injury.

Rooney is considered to be a special case by the England boss and will be given as long as possible to prove his fitness.

But he looks certain to miss the group games at least.

England need a Plan B, and that suddenly changes the balance of Eriksson’s squad.

The instant beneficiaries from Rooney’s injury were Jermain Defoe and Darren Bent, who were duelling for one spot but should now both be on the plane.

Beyond that, gate-crashers like Downing and Lennon come into the picture.

One tempting option open to Eriksson is to simply move Joe Cole into Rooney’s position off the main striker.

Cole’s recent form for his country has been so impressive that the Swede will be reluctant to remove him from the left of midfield, England’s problem position for so long.

But he may have little choice, and that opens up a slot for a left-sided midfielder.

Downing has timed his run perfectly, returning from injury to help Middlesbrough to the UEFA Cup final with some fine displays.

Eriksson watched Lennon’s electric performance against Bolton seven days ago, and that may convince him to take a closer look at the speedy Spurs teenager.

If the England boss tinkers with the formation in Rooney’s absence Lennon could come into the equation.

He can play wide in a five-man midfield or as one of three strikers in a 4-3-3 system. He could also be an ideal impact substitute, providing an injection of pace and trickery.

Jermaine Jenas, out with a shin injury, may be one crock too many for Eriksson.

He looked a World Cup certainty all season, but England will lose a midfielder to carry Rooney.

Ashley Cole looks set to be ready after missing most of the season with a broken foot and a thigh injury.

Eriksson is expected to keep faith in Sol Campbell and take a chance on Ledley King, knowing that if either of them suffers a setback he can turn to Wes Brown.

Michael Owen insists he is fit and will play in the England B international against Belarus at Reading on May 25 in a bid to sharpen his game after his long lay-off.

One other issue is in goal.

Robert Green expects to be fit after an ankle injury but has not played since early April.

Eriksson’s sidekick Tord Grip has been keeping tabs on Liverpool’s Scott Carson, who has been on loan at Sheffield Wednesday.

Green’s lack of match fitness may persuade the England boss to turn to Carson, at least in a stand-by role.

Probable squad: Robinson, James, Green; G Neville, King, Campbell, R Ferdinand, Terry, Carragher, A Cole, Bridge; Beckham, Wright-Phillips, Gerrard, Lampard, Carrick, J Cole, Downing; Rooney, Owen, Crouch, Defoe, Bent.

Stand-by: Carson, Brown, Hargreaves, Lennon.